We have no words to express our sadness and loss on hearing the sad news about the sudden death of Mr Oumar Ould Aly, Regional coordinator of the Niger-HYCOS project, who passed away in Niamey, Niger on 5 August 2007 at age of 60 years.

 

Mr Ould Aly was born in Agamor c/Bourem Mali in 1947. After completing his secondary education in his home country he proceeded to the Russian Federation where he obtained a Diploma in Engineering from the State Hydrometeorological Institute in St Petersburg.  He then went to Switzerland where he qualified with a Certificate in Hydrological Forecasting from the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Lausanne (APFL).

 

Upon his return to Mali he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Hydrological Services in the National Directorate of Hydraulics and Energy. From 1978 to 1980 he was a lecturer in hydrology at the Engineering School and at the Central School for Industry, Trade and Administration in Bamako, Mali. He spoke Arabic, French, Russian and English.

 

 

Mr Ould Aly was dedicated to water issues in Africa and particularly in the Niger Basin and always brought water problems in the Region to the attention of the international community. In 1980 he became chief hydrologist of HYDRONIGER, a Hydrological Forecasting Project promoted by WMO, UNDP and NBA, and was later appointed as regional coordinator of the HYDRONIGER Interstate Forecasting Centre. He played a vital role in developing and promoting HYCOS projects in the Region. He was appointed as regional coordinator of AOC-HYCOS in 1997.

 

His contribution was fundamental in ensuring continuous functioning of the main stations of the HYDRONIGER network and in the formulation and implementation of AOC-HYCOS and Niger-HYCOS projects. His knowledge of the hydrology of the Niger River, his commitment to work and his leadership were key elements in the success of the two projects.

 

His hard work and support to the project contributed towards the success of the AOC-HYCOS project. He worked closely with WMO to follow up the outcome of the project and to ensure development of new projects based on the hydrological basin. At the time of his death, he was regional coordinator of Niger-HYCOS project. In recognition of his active role in the River/lake Basin Organizations, he was elected Chairman of the African Network of Basin Organization (ANBO) in July 2002 in Dakar, during the 5^th General Assembly of the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO). From 2002 to 2007, he made a substantial contribution to the development of the Network, increasing both donor support and operational links with members and technical partners.

 

Mr Ould Aly was a member of several national boards in Mali, including those for the Senegal River Development Organization (OMVS) and for the WHO-FAO-UNDP Onchocerciasis Control Programme. Mr Ould Aly was been instrumental in promoting and developing hydrological studies and operational activities in the Niger River Basin. Fully aware of the essential role of water resources in the socio-economic development of the region, he promoted IWRM concept through the establishment of observation and monitoring systems, the improvement of education and awareness, and the increased participation of users. He strongly believed that integrated water resources management was a key tool in strengthening cooperation between riparian countries.

 

As a pioneer expert who contributed to the success of the WHYCOS programme and an active member in the WHYCOS International Advisory Group (WIAG), he will be missed in the WHYCOS family, especially among the Niger-HYCOS team. His friends and colleagues in WMO , specially the staff of Hydrology and Water Resources Department, will always remember Mr Ould as kind and friendly colleague.

 

We pray that the Almighty Allah accepts him into eternal Paradise and give his family and colleagues the strength to cope with his sudden death.