A Tanzanian-Somali enterpreneur who had settled in Mogadishu to start up Somalia’s first post civil war laundry and florist was on Thursday fatally shot in the Somali capital.
Mohamed Sheikh Ali who is the Chapter Director Start Up Grind Mogadishu was attacked by unknown gunmen near the Banadir junction.
Ali was pronounced dead at a Mogadishu hospital after surgery.
In 2012 Ali established Premium the first dry cleaning business and Amber Gardens florist, the first since the civil war erupted in 1991.
The young enterpreneur had won the hearts of many in Mogadishu where he remained optimistic to be part of rebuilding Somalia.
Ali was a judge on Inspire Somalia TV show which is an entrepreneurial competition in Somalia
In August 2015 he founded the Start Up Grind Mogadishu Chapter
“Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs.We host monthly events in more than 167 cities featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies” the late Ali had told Radio Dalsan in an interview early 2018 when he hosted Dalsan Director Hassan Ali Gesey to share his enterpreneurship journey.
Messages of condolences have been pouring in since the news of the assassination of a young man who abandoned the safety of his Dar Es Salaam Tanzanian home to start a new life in the relatively insecure Mogadishu.
“Beyond shocked to hear the murder of our friend Mohamed Sheikh Ali in #Mogadishu today. Not only was he gifted and promising young man but also the voice for the youth and the entire community. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues” Former Mogadishu Mayor Thabit Mohamed tweeted.
“Innaa lilaahi wa innaa ileyhi raajicuun, i am deeply n devastated, @Moesheikali was hopeful, talented and always had empathy for those around him, he was innovative and always dreamed of the best for the youth of this country, May Allah SWT grant him jannah n shower him his mercy” MP Sagal Bihi reacted.
“I last met Mohamed in June when he was in Nairobi and he was so adamant about staying in Somalia and “keeping hope alive.” What a loss for Somalia! What a tragedy that he was killed in such a cold-blooded manner. We will miss you, Mo. Rest In Peace.” Abdilatif Dahir tweeted.
“I am beyond shocked!!! It will take time to process this very sad news of abrupt and violent end to what was a very bright and promising future for my dear friend, Maxamed!!! Fatuma Abdullahi reacted.
“It is very clear that there are elements in the Somali society who want to stymie Somalia’s progress. They want to discourage and intimidate Somalia’s youth from taking initiative. This should be investigated 😡😡. It infuriates me that this will be just another forgotten death” Mo Aden tweeted.
