Quick Facts
Biography
Asli Hassan Abade is a prominent Somali pilot, military figure, and civil activist.
Career
Somali Air Force
Asli is the first known and so far only female pilot in the Somali Air Force (SAF). She soloed her first flight on 9 September 1976.
Peace campaign
In the mid-2000s, Asli waged a peace campaign, encouraging lawmakers to come together and put an end to the long-standing civil conflict in her native Somalia. Attending every major political function dressed in the colors of the Somali flag, she reportedly commanded the respect of all the attendees. For her efforts in the reconciliation process that took place in neighboring Arta, Djibouti, which saw the establishment of the Transitional Federal Government, she was accorded the codename Calansida ("The Flag-bearer").
Personal life
A "patriot", Asli describes herself as "a strong lady" on account of her military background. As of October 2009, she lives in the U.S. state of Texas.