Ayrotv.com- Saylac-Awdal- Shamado Lo’doon Buux, born in the historic city of Saylac, Somaliland, was one of the women who lived through the most devastating period in the Horn of Africa’s history—World War II. This period was marked by forms of rivalries and various forms of war between colonial powers, as Italy, Britain and France fought for control of Somaliland and neighbouring Ethiopia. Mussolini’s main motivator to dominate East Africa has brought the war to Somaliland’s doorstep, particularly in the Awdal region where Shamado was famous.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Somaliland was a region divided between colonial powers. Italy occupied Southern Somaliland, Britain held the North and France administered the territory known as French Somaliland (today Djibouti). As World War II broke out, Italy took bold steps to expand its influence, conquering Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie. In 1940, Mussolini invaded Somaliland, seeking to seize strategic positions such as the port of Saylac in the Awdal region. But his campaign suffered major setbacks, notably in the battle of the Banka Giriyaad plain, where British and French forces joined to repel the Italians.
This war has had a devastating impact on local communities, including Shamado. The economy collapsed as trade and shipping ceased. As for Shamado, she had to work in difficult conditions and her husband joined the British Army, and he was sent to Abdulqadir’s front. The latter had been away from his family for three years, leaving Shamado to take care of his family and children.
But Shamado’s role wasn’t just to manage her family, but she was a perinatal professional in the Awdal region, becoming a source of hope for pregnant women going through difficult times. Her skills as a midwife were in high demand, as healthcare facilities and skilled professionals were scarce.
Shamado has travelled from village to village during difficult times to help women give birth.
She lived in the small town of Boon, about 75 miles from Saylac.
She was respected by locals for her determination to never give up on caring for pregnant women, dedicating her time and effort until they safely delivered. Her family recalls that she often ate in the evening as Shamado was busy helping mothers in urgent care.
Despite the many challenges, she took pride in her work. She often said, “I’ve never held a dead child in my arms.” This statement is a clear testament to his skill, patience and determination. Her legacy lives on the many lives she saved, the comfort she brought to pregnant women, and her strength through the most difficult times.
Shamado Lo’doon Buux was a silent hero who didn’t write his own story, but went through some tough times. While her husband was fighting on the frontline, she was fighting her own battle to save the lives of women and children in the Awdal region.
She will be remembered as a proud midwife, named Shamado, for her resilience, compassion and unwavering determination to see the people of her community, who have suffered and endured so much, in the darkest moments in Somaliland’s history.
Reff: Prof Hassan Farah Warfa.
