Education
Ismail was educated locally.
Ismail was educated locally.
In March 1970 he was appointed Secretary for Information and National Guidance. He has played a major part in launching SRC campaigns to eradicate tribalism, get the people to increase their productivity and transform the economy. In March 1973 he was chosen by President Siyad to lead a four-week goodwill tour of 10 African countries.
He is chairman of many major committees, particularly in the development field. In his own Information Ministry he has gained substantial budget increases, but he has been better as a publicist for his country than as an administrator in his ministry.
A relatively unknown captain at the time of the coup, he moved up the ladder of power faster than most of his contemporaries and was promoted full colonel. Handsome, smart and youthful (similar in appearance to the young officers ruling Ghana) he is very much President Siyad’s right-hand man, frequently quoting his leader’s speeches and sayings. Ambitious, dogmatic, with a flair for publicity, President Siyad recognises his drive and ability to work a long day and has stacked an increasing burden of responsibilities on him.