By Abdi Guled
Ahmed Gure, the visionary founder of Hiiraan Online, Somalia’s most popular and trusted news website, passed away on Sunday at his home in Ottawa. He was 68.
His death was confirmed by his family, who stated that the cause was complications related to a long illness.
Mr. Gure’s profound influence on Somali journalism cannot be overstated.
Since founding Hiiraan Online in 1999, he transformed it into a beacon of credible and timely news for Somalis worldwide. His dedication to the principles of truthful journalism established the site as a reliable source of information amid the challenges of reporting in a conflict-torn nation.
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ahmed Gure, a former pilot, emigrated to Canada during the tumultuous civil war.
Despite being far from home, he remained deeply committed to providing accurate news coverage and insightful analysis about Somalia’s complex socio-political landscape.
His work was instrumental in keeping the global Somali diaspora informed and connected to their homeland.
Under Mr. Gure’s leadership, Hiiraan Online became synonymous with journalistic integrity, earning accolades for its balanced reporting and thorough fact-checking.
The website’s popularity and credibility have only grown over the decades, making it the most visited Somali news site to date.
Mr. Gure is survived by his wife, children, and a legacy of journalistic excellence that continues to inspire media professionals in Somalia and beyond.
In a world where misinformation often proliferates, Ahmed Gure’s life work stands as a testament to the power and necessity of trustworthy journalism.
