Contemporaries saw Hussen as firm but fair, even tyrannical

Evidence

The challenge posed by Hussen’s nomination was best summed up by Africa Report: [Hussen]‘s character as a tough minded, fair and enlightened leader was noted by many. His friends say he is firm, but fair. His enemies say that he has the makings of a tyrant. Nobody disputes his courage, nor the drive to work 18 hours a day, to the detriment of his health even after a serious operation at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D. C. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 733