Taliq Abdelharam Sharif
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Taliq Abedelharam Sharif (born April 28, 1982) is a statesman, Sudanese national, pirate and entrepreneur who has risen to worldwide fame through his efforts to keep the peace in his native Central Africa. He has recently come under strong criticism in regard to accusations of aiding the notorious Janjaweed rebels in the Sudan. [citation?]
Early life
Taliq was born in northern Djibouti to unknown parents who were reportedly brutally murdered by Sudanese rebels shortly after his birth. He was raised by a family that had immigrated from Chad to escape the wars there and had come to Djibouti seeking peace. Little is known about his early life, except that he was known throughout his village as a boy who was always mediating conflicts and ending disputes. He is described as well loved by all who knew him.[1] He received no formal education past the third grade, and left home at the age of twelve to find work in the dockyards in the coastal regions of Djibouti. He worked there for several years, but for unknown reasons became involved with a small pirate group which preyed upon foreign oil vessels passing through the area. The band, known as The Cleansing Tide, was unusual for outlaw groups in the area, as it was reputed to have commonly given the funds it received to local widows and orphanages. It is still unclear why the group did this, but it has been suggested that the group did this in order to build up local support.[2]
Career As a Pirate
After several years with the group, Taliq rose to such a position of influence that he came to be recognized as its effecutal leader. During this period, which began around 1999, the group's attacks against foreign vessels, most especially French, increased.[3] Also around this time, Taliq began sending large sums of money, presumably taken from ransom payments, to relief groups in Chad that were protecting Sudanese refugees.[1] Again, motivation for these payments are unclear.
Current Status As an International Figure
Taliq is currently the subject of allegations that he is funding the Janjaweed Militia in the Sudan. These allegations, made by the French Media, have proven on some occasions to be unfounded.[4] However, he was proven guilty in mid-January 2009 in his ICC court case. As of now, Taliq reportedly is perceived in Chad, the Sudan, and Djibouti as one who has worked to redistribute international wealth in favor of those in need. At the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Nominations, Taliq was described as 'a modern Robin Hood'.
