Remembering Gessi Abdusemad Idriss
Inna illahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
“Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”
A Giant Harari Historian has fallen,
Gessi Abudusemad Idriss.
A mentor and an icon
An Advisor and Courageous Harari politician,
Fearless activist and finest sociologist,
Full of integrity, respect and humble at his core.
A legend who practiced harmony and humanity
In all aspects of life with unity,
Be it, with family, society and the surrounding community.
Gesi Abudsemad Idriss was born in 1947 (EC) in the city of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. He attended Islamic schools, and thereafter completed his elementary and middle schools at Lega’hare school. After completion of his high school in the same city, he proceeded with flying colours to attend Addis Ababa University. He completed his Bachelors degree in Sociology, and then was assigned as Social Worker in the Ministry of Labour and Community Services in the then Kefa Province for two years. Upon his return to his home city, Dire Dawa, in 1975, he became the Chief Social Officer within the same Ministry.
Besides his professional life, his was a legend in establishing Harari Community Schools known as ‘Ameshna’ in Dire Dawa and Harar in 1960s. Ameshna schools main mission was educate and upgrade Harari ladies’ life skills in various areas. Using Harari language as media of instruction, Ameshna schools served Harari and other communities alike in providing religious studies, handcrafting skills, language and home economics courses. He was a social leader and community man at his core!
In spite of all political turmoil and terrors he personally faced in the 1970s and 1980s in Ethiopia, Gesi Abdusemad Idriss went on to obtain his Masters degree in Social Work from Indian University. Upon return, he was involved in a number of NGOs, Charity organizations and community projects. To mention few, Disability Associations, Leprosy Farm Associations in Dire Dawa, Harar and Aseb Teferi, Dire Dawa Blind Foundation and Association, Homeless and Jobless Projects and so forth. He equally served all communities and societies regardless of their affiliations to creed, ethnicity, health, and place of origin. He was principled, compassionate and a man of strong faith and convictions. Harar has lost a hero, mentor, motivator and educator, who inspired many and injected self-consciousness among the young generation and the surrounding communities at large.
Not only Gesi Abdusemad Idriss was a professional social figure, but was a seasoned political figure, whose contributions in establishing the Harari Regional State in 1990s was paramount. He was one of the founders and defenders of Harar. Along many Harari iconic figures, Gesi Abdusemad Idriss had also left colorful political foot prints in shaping and forming the Harari Regional State. He served as secretary for the core Harari State founders’ team. He went on to be an advisor for State Social Welfare Department, Advisor for the State President, Advisor for Department of Culture and Tourism, Advisor for Harari National League, as well as, as Resource person for Eastern Ethiopia History research entity. His roles and contributions were paramount and countless! He earned peoples’ trust, and his credibility had brought Hararis and non-Harari communities together in Eastern Ethiopia. He is always membered for his negotiations and humanity.
Though Gesi Abudsemad Idriss died on Eid Iftar Holiday, while his was on medical treatment in Turkey, his death had truly changed the moment of happiness and celebration of togetherness into grief and sadness. Harar has lost iconic social, and special political scholar. The star had departed, and the light had gone forever, but his torch bearers live on to keep Harar’s AMANA (its Religion, Language, Culture and Political Existence).
Late Gessi Abdusemad Idriss may not be with us physically any more, but his memories and discourses that shaped Hararis and communities will continue to be the driving forces in our daily political and social activities. His legacy will continue to bring us together and work as a team.
His body arrived in Harar on Sunday, 16 May 2021, and buried at Awe Abdal Cemetery in Harar. As Harari Regional State funeral was planned, he was remembered and honored at Ameer Abullahi Hall. He was accompanied and mourned by all ages from young to Harari State Officials, as well as, many scholars and surrounding community leaders were present at his burial.
“Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” May Allah grant him the highest permanent home, Janatul Ferdeous. IHMS team also convey heartily condolences to his bereaved family, relatives and friends. May our condolences reach all Hararis around the globe as we continue to pray for him. Ameen! Allahuma Ameen!