Mohamed Mooge Liibaan


Mohammed Mooge Liibaan was a prominent Somali Scholar, vocalist, poet, and military leader.
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Biography

Early life and career

Mohamed Mooge was born in Hargeisa, the present-day capital of Somaliland. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the Salihiyya Sufi order, where the chants and wisdom of the tariqa shaped his moral outlook and later influenced his poetry.
He was a member of the famous Waaberi troupe, the most influential performing arts group in Somalia. Mooge was especially renowned for his skill with the oud and for a vocal style that combined emotional depth with artistic finesse.
Before dedicating himself fully to music, he worked as a teacher for the Somali Ministry of Education. His musical career gained prominence in the 1970s, when his songs were often infused with messages of social awareness and political consciousness.
Mooge began his education in Hargeisa, developing a strong interest in reading, history, and Somali oral traditions, which fueled his exploration of literature, culture, and philosophy. He believed that education was the most powerful tool for building a strong and progressive society, emphasizing that knowledge should serve the people, preserve cultural identity, and promote justice and unity.

Conflict with the regime of Siad Barre

In 1971, the Somali government forced Mohamed Mooge into early retirement, accusing him of opposing the dictatorship of Mohamed Siad Barre. While still in Somalia, he composed and performed songs that indirectly criticized the regime, using symbolic and allegorical language to promote freedom and unity.
During the 1970s, Mooge secretly left Somalia and spent time in Kenya and the United Kingdom, where he continued both his artistic career and political activism.
On other hand, he lived in Sudan, where he performed nasheedes as well as some of country’s most popular Artists.
He first joined the Somali Salvation Democratic Front, where he became a leading cultural voice of resistance. Among the songs he performed during this period were Soomaalidu ma huruddaa? and Lix iyo labaatankii Juun ku lednay, kowdii Luulyo liibaaney, kow iyo labaatankii Oktoobar leeleelay — songs that openly challenged the dictatorship, but he also actively participated in political activities and military planning within the organization. He worked with the SSDF for nearly three years, playing a prominent role in political leadership and military strategies.
Mooge consistently rejected the Siad Barre regime, and unlike many other artists of his generation, he never recorded praise songs for the government. As a result, very few of his works were ever broadcast on state-controlled Somali radio, which he dismissed as propaganda outlets.

Musical style

Mohamed Mooge’s artistic contributions belong to the Somali musical tradition known as Fadhiga, which emphasizes lyrical depth, social themes, and intimate performance styles. His songs became a staple of Somali households and remain widely listened to.

Involvement in SNM

Mohamed Mooge spent an extended period in Dire Dawa, which at the time served as an important base for political and Military movements. After leaving the SSDF, Mohamed Mooge spent some time in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He later Moved to the city of jijiga, and from there entered Awarre, Which was then a key operational base for the Somali National Movement. He be became the head of information and political affairs within the organization, leading the SNM’s radio programs and political awareness campaigns. Mooge was described as the “voice and mind” of SNM’s propaganda, playing a crucial role in spreading its message, organizing cultural programs, and providing strategic advice.

Death

On 4 June 1984, Mohamed Mooge Liban, together with 16 SNM fighters, was ambushed in a government attack near Awaare and Dhagax Buur, particularly in the area of Meermeerta. The ambush was carried out by troops loyal to Siad Barre.
In the days leading up to his death, internal tensions had emerged within the SNM leadership, as some commanders were accused of diverting focus toward religious mysticism rather than military preparedness. Mooge had voiced concerns about this trend, fearing it could weaken the movement’s military effectiveness.
On the night of 4 June, reports circulated that Col. Ibrahim Koodbuur had entrusted a vehicle and armed escort to a fellow officer known as Ina Askar. That same night, the vehicle and its escort were ambushed by government forces near Celiya, where the officer and his guards were killed. The vehicle was later taken to Hargeisa.
When Mooge learned of the incident, he confronted Hassan Tarabi, an SNM officer associated with the faction, in a moment of bitter sarcasm, asking why the supposed “holy man” had not foreseen the danger and warned his men. Enraged, Tarabi pulled out a pistol and shot Mooge in the chest.
Mooge was rushed to the SNM field hospital in Awaare and later transferred toward Dhagax Buur, but before he could reach safety, his convoy was ambushed in a government attack. In that battle, Maxamed Mooge and 16 fighters were killed on 5 June 1984.

Legacy

Mohamed Mooge is remembered as one of the most important cultural and political figures in Somali history. His songs, poetry, and performances remain deeply influential across Somali society.
He frequently adapted classical Somali poetry — including works by Muḥammad ibn 'Abdallāh Hassan and Qaasim — as well as modern poems by Hadraawi, turning them into songs that enriched Somali cultural heritage.
Through his art, Mooge contributed to the preservation and popularization of Somali oral traditions, including Dhaanto, Baarcadaha, and Jaandheer, all of which promote collective memory, identity, and unity.
Today, he is regarded not only as a musician but also as a nationalist hero, symbolizing both the artistic and political struggles of the Somali people. In Somaliland, his name is commemorated in cultural institutions.

Poems and songs

Popular songs by Mooge include:
  • Aamiinta kula idhi
  • Allahayow nin daacad ah
  • Ciilka Dadweynaha
  • Dadka Ha Iska weyneyn
  • Dalxiis
  • Galbis
  • Guga
  • Habluhu kala wanaagsan
  • Waayeelka Jaqafsada
  • Haween U Samir
  • Ifka Waxad la Joogtaa
  • Waadiga Dugsiyada
  • Jirab
  • Carro Edag
  • La Joojiyaana Bannaan
  • Maxaa Iga Galay Nin Geel Badan
  • Nafta Ku Ogolaatay
  • Mudantii haweenkaa
  • Oogada Jirkeygiyo
  • Waa Oday Kasheekee
  • Waayeel Dadow
  • ''Sabab Kale Ha Moodine''