Mohamed Said Mohamed was born in Erigavo on 11 November 1946.[2] At the age of 2, his family moved to Hargeisa, where his father worked as a medical doctor.[3] He attended Sheikh Secondary School. He later enrolled at Lafoole (Somali National University), where he completed a degree in physics in 1973. He later pursued postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, earning a master's degree.[4]
After returning to Somalia, Gees began teaching physics at Lafoole University. He later joined the Ministry of Education’s curriculum development center, contributing to the introduction of Somali-language educational materials during the period when Somali became the national written language. His work involved translating science and mathematics textbooks into Somali.[4]
In February 1990, Gees entered national politics when he was appointed Somalia's Minister of Fisheries. He reportedly learned of his appointment through a radio announcement while buying cattle in Biyo-Ado, Middle Shabelle.[4]
Following the outbreak of the Somali Civil War and the collapse of the central government, Gees fled Mogadishu. He escaped via Kenya and Ethiopia and later lived in Yemen for a period before returning to Somaliland in the mid-1990s.[4]
Gees served as Minister of Planning of Somaliland from 1997 to 1999 under President Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal.[4]
From 1999 to 2001, Gees served as Minister of Finance of Somaliland.[5][6] In a 2001 interview, he stated that peace and political stability were essential for economic recovery and for encouraging diaspora investment.[6]
Gees served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland from 2002 to 2003 under President Dahir Riyale Kahin.[1]
From 2004 to 2012, after leaving public office, Gees served as Executive Director of the Academy for Peace and Development (APD) in Hargeisa. He oversaw dialogue-based initiatives promoting peaceful elections, responsible media conduct, and the institutionalization of political parties.[2]
In August 2016, Gees welcomed the Somaliland–Khatumo talks led by Ali Khalif Galaydh as a positive step, congratulated the president, and argued that progress comes through peace and dialogue—so Somaliland should engage in talks like others do.[7]
In 2023, Gees urged Somaliland’s political leaders and citizens to reinforce democratic institutions and overcome clan-based divisions, emphasizing that national cohesion was the foundation of a stable democracy.[8]
Gees died on 23 August 2025 and was buried in Virginia, United States.[4]
