My Life Through News Media by Abdullahi Haji. Edited by Abdisalam M. Issa-Salwe and Ahmed Sh. Mohamud
Reviewed by: Abdiweli Garad
Author: Abdullahi Haji
Publisher: Looh Press Ltd
Pages: 166 pages
Publication date: 2025
Abdullahi Haji’s memoir, My Life Through News Media, is a vital but flawed primary source that offers an unparalleled insider’s view of East African politics and BBC Somali journalism. Yet, significant editorial oversights and puzzling omissions hamper its impact—nevertheless, this 166-page work, edited by Dr Abdisalam M. Issa-Salwe and Ambassador Ahmed Sh. Mohamud promises to provide a nuanced account of a life shaped by experiences both within and outside the journalistic sphere. The public has well-received the publication, particularly those interested in modern Somali journalism, as evidenced by the significant turnout at its launch event.
Structured around the central theme of news media as a constant, shaping force, the memoir traces its evolution from the mid-20th-century radio dominance to the disruptive advent of the 21st-century internet. It charts Haji’s remarkable personal journey from his childhood in the Somali (Ogaden) regions of Wardheer, Dhagahbur, and Harar, through formative experiences as a cadet officer at the Debrezeit military academy, to his pivotal role at the BBC’s Somali Service in London. This trajectory was facilitated by the foresight of his sister, Amina Haji, and the unwavering support of his uncle, Haji Farah Hayd, whose belief cultivated one of the most renowned journalists of his generation.
Haji’s career is distinguished by a trifecta of experiences that lend his memoir its unique authority: he has been the subject of news, a formidable interviewer known for his robust techniques, and a respected editor behind the scenes. As noted by his first Somali boss at the BBC, Mohamed Abdullahi, interviewees might complain of Haji’s tenacity yet would invariably request to be interviewed by him—a testament to his perceived fairness. This reputation for integrity was matched by a legendary work ethic, underscored by the remarkable fact that he was absent due to sickness for only four days in thirty years of continuous service (pp. xv-xvi).
Eminent individuals within the Somali diaspora immediately recognised the book’s significance at its launch. A former Mayor of Mogadishu, Ahmed Mohamoud ‘Tarzan’, hailed it as an inaugural work honouring Somali service personnel. However, this review will argue that the book neglects several critical narratives and suffers from editorial issues that must be addressed in future editions.
Strengths and Highlights: A Primary Source of Inestimable Value
The primary strength of this memoir is its focus on Abdullahi Haji’s thirty-year tenure at the BBC World Service, a facet of Somalia’s professional history that has been relatively understudied. The narrative illuminates Haji’s unwavering professionalism, steadfast ethical principles, and notable contributions to the development of the Somali lexicon.
The book is organised into five thematic chapters that present complex socio-political dynamics in a way accessible to the general reader. The reflective and measured tone reflects the insights of a seasoned professional, a quality further emphasised by two substantive forewords written by the only two Somalis to have led the BBC’s Somali section during Haji’s tenure: Mohamed Abdullahi and Ambassador Yusuf Garaad Omar.
The memoir is punctuated by gripping historical engagements. Haji’s encounters with Emperor Haile Selassie are particularly revealing. At the Debrezeit academy, the young cadet confidently told the emperor of his ambition to become a pilot. Selassie’s condescending retort—that Haji was too young—was met with a bold rebuttal that “flying an aeroplane does not require physical strength. Flying aeroplanes requires skills and intelligence” (p.5), an act of lèse-majesté that effectively ended his pilot aspirations. A second audience with the emperor was marred by a pointed question about Haji’s national allegiance, foreshadowing the complex identity politics that would shape the region.
Equally significant was his 1972 interview with President Mohamed Siad Barre of Somalia. Despite advice to be lenient with the new military government, Haji posed the defining question: “My president… when will you go back to your barracks and give the rule to the civilian government?” (p.10). This single query exemplifies the fearless journalism that became his hallmark. Later, an interview journey with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi provided Haji with a first-hand observation of the stark underdevelopment in the Somali region, contradicting official narratives of prosperity (pp. 77-78).
Beyond the realms of media and politics, the memoir delineates Haji’s community-oriented engagement to quell the detrimental effects of khat, a stimulant whose social and health ramifications have been extensively documented (pp. 107-112). This exemplifies his dedication to addressing pressing social issues.
Areas for Consideration: Towards a More Polished Edition
The significance of Haji’s role on the BBC microphone transcended mere broadcasting; it positioned him as a pivotal figure in the narrative of Somali history across several decades. Through his voice, he communicated the complexities and tumultuous events that shaped the region during significant political upheaval and social transformation.
Haji’s “Life Through News Media,” such as Addis Ababa Radio in the early 1960s and the BBC from late 1969 onward, encompassed significant Somali trajectories. These included the Ogaden region, Djibouti, and the Northern Frontier District (NFD) liberation campaigns aimed at unifying with Somalia. The Ogaden Wars (1964 and 1977) between Somalia and Ethiopia, the 1967 Arusha Agreement and its consequential effects—particularly the transfer of the NFD to Kenya—the high-profile assassination of President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, the emergence of a military government in 1969 and its 21-year rule, the state’s failure, the 1992 Baidoa famine, and interventions by UNITAF and UNOSOM, including the infamous “Black Hawk Down” incident, the assassination of General Mohamed Farah Aideed, Somaliland’s declaration of independence, the Ethiopia’s intervention and the development of federalism, and the rise of Islamic courts—including the formation of Al-Shabaab and the establishment of AMISOM—are profound developments in Somali politics that warrant comprehensive analysis.
Such events, Haji was not only a news reader but also a crucial interpreter of Somalia’s realities to an international audience, which were also subjects that could have been elaborated upon in Haji’s narratives. Consequently, the absence of in-depth editorial insight and a deeper exploration of Haji’s perspectives might limit the memoir’s effectiveness. Understanding these historical contexts and Haji’s interpretations thereof would significantly enhance the quality and relevance of the memoir in conveying the complexities of Somali history.
Moreover, while the editors are to be commended for their foresight in commemorating Haji’s career, the book necessitates a meticulous re-evaluation to realise its full potential. A future second edition should also address two critical issues: the absence of anticipated content and significant editorial deficiencies.
Regarding the former, the book omits several issues of substantial public interest. Primarily, it excludes a high-profile legal case concerning the recruitment practices of the BBC Somali Section, as detailed by Abdi Ismail Samatar (2011, p.46). This case involved allegations of unfairness, wherein three less qualified external candidates were chosen over highly qualified, including former BBC staff members. Considering Haji’s involvement in the grading process, his perspective on this contentious incident is a glaring omission.
The second notable omission is Haji’s encounter with the then-President of Djibouti, Hassan Gouled Aptidon. When Haji enquired about the appointment of the same mayor from the colonial era, the President responded with the derogatory retort, “You are stupid”. This moment, which Haji recounted in a recent YouTube interview, is absent from the text. A third example is an anecdote shared at the book launch: a sharp exchange with SNM chairman Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Silanyo), where Haji’s witty follow-up question about capturing the “Maqaayadda Inanta” (the lady’s coffee) rather than a strategic ground caused political embarrassment. Including these anecdotes would illuminate missing links and enrich the narrative with the character for whom he is known.
Furthermore, while the thematic chapters are of practical relevance, Chapters 2, 3, and 4 contain surprisingly little direct reference to Haji himself. The book would benefit from incorporating his personal involvement, transitioning from a general thematic discussion to a grounded autobiographical reflection. It is a significant oversight that central aspects of Haji’s character—his generosity, hospitality, and devotion to his colleagues—are absent from the published text, especially as they were highlighted at the launch.
Finally, the book suffers from editorial issues that suggest a lack of thorough proofreading. These include repetitive sentences (p.14); nonsensical phrases in either English or Somali languages like “Kugu dishaa waged war on the la faan” (p.56); outdated references labelled as “recent times” (p.45); and seemingly copied-and-pasted irrelevant content, such as “this policy briefing” (p.66). Solid statements lack supporting sources (p.69), and inconsistent citations undermine the text. In addition, there is no verifiable evidence supporting the claim that Haji categorised Somalia and Somaliland as “two countries” (p.72), raising concerns about the accuracy of the editors’ representation.
Therefore, a comprehensive re-edition is essential to correct these errors and enhance the book’s relevance and credibility.
Verdict
Despite its undeniable flaws, My Life Through News Media is crucial for understanding modern Somali history and journalism. Abdullahi Haji’s legacy deserves a publication that matches his own rigorous standards. Until a revised edition is produced, this work remains an essential yet frustrating read—a masterclass in content needing a masterful edit.
It is highly recommended for specialists who can navigate its shortcomings, hoping that a future edition will make it accessible to the broader audience it deserves.
Abdiweli Garad, PhD
Email: aogarad@gmail.com
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Abdiweli Garad is a political scientist and specialist in international security. He holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on security dynamics, governance, and cross-border conflicts within the Horn of Africa.
