From Hardship to Hope: A Journey of Learning, Resilience and Service

Chaos, Courage and Change in Somalia is a memoir by Mahad Wasuge, published in 2026. The 230-page book, comprising 21 chapters, recounts Mahad’s life journey from childhood to his emergence as a researcher and institutional leader in Somalia. 

The book describes the challenges Mahad faced, how he navigated them, and how he gradually achieved his goals. He reflects on his upbringing, childhood memories, educational journey, and move to Mogadishu to pursue higher education amid a difficult security situation. He also recounts how he developed his professional career, founded an institution, and led it over the years. 

Mahad Abdullahi Hussein Wasuge was born in 1988 in Buulaburde District in Hiiraan Region. His life has been shaped by considerable hardship, including displacement during childhood, the loss of his father when he was 12, and difficulties accessing secondary and higher education. Despite these challenges, he remained determined to pursue his dreams. 

With little more than hope and determination, Mahad moved to Mogadishu in 2009 to pursue a university education. He subsequently worked as a teacher, a blogger, and a researcher at a think tank, while also starting a family. Driven by his commitment to improving governance in Somalia, he founded Somali Public Agenda in 2018. The organisation promotes evidence-based research and dialogue to improve governance and inform public policy. Today, he serves as its Executive Director, leading efforts to advance these objectives. 

One of the book’s strengths is its simple, accessible language, which makes the author’s story easy to follow and engaging to read. I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of the book, and I remained engaged throughout. Finishing one chapter made me eager to read the next. The author recounts his experiences in a captivating style, bringing together stories of hardship, courage, perseverance, self-discipline, and hope. 

I particularly recommend this book to young people and aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in establishing and leading institutions. The author provides a valuable account of how Somali Public Agenda developed from an initial idea into an established policy research organisation. His experience offers practical lessons on pursuing a vision, navigating challenges, and building an institution in a difficult environment. 

Mahad’s story is ultimately one of transforming personal adversity into a commitment to serve others. Rather than focusing solely on personal advancement or seeking opportunities abroad, he chose to use his education, skills, and experience to contribute to a better Somalia. From a childhood marked by insecurity and limited educational opportunities to a leadership role in Somalia’s policy research community, his journey demonstrates how determination, education, and a commitment to one’s country can create meaningful change.

 

The book also offers a valuable perspective on Somalia beyond the negative headlines often associated with the country. Through his personal experiences, Mahad provides readers with a glimpse into the challenges ordinary Somalis face in accessing education and pursuing opportunities amid conflict and institutional collapse. His story challenges the assumption that growing up in difficult circumstances inevitably leads to failure.

Reading this book reminded me of the struggles many young Somalis endure to obtain an education and build meaningful lives. Life is unpredictable, and hardship does not necessarily lead to failure. Rather, difficult experiences can strengthen a person’s resilience and capacity to confront future challenges. Mahad’s life is a compelling example of this.

I highly recommend Chaos, Courage and Change in Somalia to young people, educators, researchers, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in understanding Somalia through the experiences of someone who has lived through its turbulent decades. It is an inspiring account of how, even amid profound uncertainty, education, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others can help turn hardship into hope.