Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal was a prominent Somali politician and the first President of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, serving from 1993 until his death in 2002. He played a crucial role in the region's quest for independence from Somalia and was known for his efforts to establish a stable government and promote peace after years of civil conflict. Egal was born in 1928 in Somaliland and had a background in education and public service. He was a key figure in the Somali National Movement, which sought to achieve autonomy for Somaliland. His leadership was marked by attempts to foster unity and development in a region facing significant challenges.