Abdirashid Hashi quits Somalia's largest Think Tank, HIPS

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Abdirashid Hashi, the veteran director of Heritage Institute of Policy Studies [HIPS], a Somalia-based Think Tank, resigned on Thursday, bringing to an end of an 11-year reign, that was characterized with credible analysis in terms of policy and governance within the Horn of Africa nation.

HIPS confirmed his exit on Friday, adding that it had accepted the resignation of the popular director, who will be remembered for drafting the alternative electoral model in Somalia's election, which is yet to take place. HIPS proposal saw the country adopting an improved clan-based model due to timelines.

The outgoing executive will, however, stay around until the last day of this month, HIPS added in the statement. His exit comes amid an electoral standoff in Somalia, after the expiry of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's term, which has technically thrown the country into an unprecedented crisis.

"The Board of Directors of the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies [HIPS] has accepted the resignation of Abdirashid Hashi, the director of the Institute for the past six years. His last day as the Executive Director of HIPS will be 28 February 2021," read a statement from HIPS.

"As per the management procedures of the institute, the Deputy Director, Mursal Saney, will automatically become the acting Executive Director effective 01 March 2021," added the statement, which caught many of its followers in surprise.

He hailed the institute for close cooperation with him, adding that the new leadership should focus on an analytical approach on issues affecting Somalia, calling for boldness when the Think Tank issues proposals that can be important in the formulation of the country's policies.

"After 8 years at the helm, Heritage Institute board accepted my request to recruit a new leadership," he said. "I strongly felt HIPS Institute would benefit change of guard, new energy and vision particularly when the institute is in a good shape; I too would benefit from a new challenge."

His exit caught many of the Institute's followers in surprise, with a number of them congratulating him for setting a proper foundation on research and analysis on issues that ail Somalia. The team deals with policy and security challenges.

"Hard to believe Hashi is leaving his professional family! His professional engagement, openness, and personal integrity endeared many of us to him. He made a significant contribution to social policy discourse in the region. Wishing him success in his future endeavors," said Nur Mohamed.

"No doubt that he will be missed not only for the HIPS Institute family but all those who regularly followed his sober and yet candid analysis. All the very best brother Hashi," added Abdilatif Maalim, one of the Think Tank's followers in the war-torn nation.

One of his last memorable success could be the professional meeting he organized in Garowe, the state capital of Puntland about two months ago, which brought together many Somalis, both technocrats and those serving in various government positions.

GAROWE ONLINE