Hussen’s popularity and open Democratic relations with the public fostered genuine wartime bonds.

Evidence

Overall, Hussen’s national tour was a smashing success in galvanizing the population. It certainly demonstrated Hussen’s charismatic capacity to connect with the population and the open and intimidation-free relations between the population and the leadership of the republic. The democratic bond between the population and the leaders was best manifested by one instance during the visit. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 916