Sultan Mohammed Hassen
Sultan Mohammed Hassen, the current Sultan of Harar, is a respected traditional leader, peace advocate, and a unifying force in Ethiopia. Appointed on July 12, 2019, after a long historical gap in the Sultanate, his leadership has revitalized a critical cultural institution, grounded in service, cultural preservation, and interfaith harmony.
Born in Addis Ababa, Sultan Mohammed’s early education spanned Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. He studied in both Islamic and Christian schools—experiences that instilled a deep respect for religious diversity and shaped his inclusive leadership. After completing high school in Los Angeles, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering in Texas, blending technical expertise with a community-focused ethos.
Fluent in Harari (Gey Sinan), Amharic, English, and Arabic, Sultan Mohammed engages across cultures and regions. He is recognized for mobilizing the Harari community—both locally and abroad—to support humanitarian efforts. His initiatives have delivered food, school supplies, and medical aid to underserved communities in the Harar, Somali, Afar, and Oromia regions. One notable program provided families with goats to support sustainable livelihoods.
Passionate about youth empowerment, he has awarded scholarships to rural students, helping them access higher education and vocational training. He also convenes peace conferences and uses storytelling, drama, and multimedia to advocate for reconciliation, highlighting the human toll of conflict.
Looking ahead, Sultan Mohammed is organizing the Harari Heritage Summer Retreat in the U.S. to reconnect diaspora youth with their roots and promote peaceful coexistence across Ethiopian communities.
A frequent mantra of his—“If not us, who? If not now, when?”—captures his call to action and his belief in the power of leadership to shape a better future. His vision continues to inspire dignity, unity, and hope across Ethiopia and the global Harari diaspora.