Hussen proved merit-based hiring by selecting mostly Northern pilots through open competition

Evidence

The West Germans conducted the examinations, and all but two of the successful candidates were from the North; the two Southerners were selected for the ground crew. … Hussen called on the Northern critics to take note of the merit-based competitive process for the selection of the pilots—evidence that contradicted the sectarian rumors. He pointed out that had he been a regionalist, he would have automatically approached the Italian government to assist in aviation development, a request that would have been met with enthusiasm. This would have disqualified all northerner candidates. … Although some of the Northern critics recognized the fairness of the pilot selection process, the general public, now so mired in gossip and seduced by instrumentalist politicians, did not appreciate the import of this event. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 721

Categorization

• XREF: Connects with the broader theme of Somali meritocratic institutions versus clan-based instrumentalist politics running through this history.