[2][3][4][5] Nicknamed "Bidaar",[2] Issa frequented an Italian primary institution in the capital, as well as a local Qur'anic school (madrassah).

He typified the Somali political elite of the period, as he was "young (age 38), intelligent, largely self-educated, confident, and determined".

After being appointed to office as an SYL deputy in the political elections of 1956, he was called in the same year to form Somalia's first government, thus becoming the nation's first Prime Minister.

Re-elected in 1959, he was re-confirmed as Premier, and held for some time also the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Grace and justice.

[8] In this capacity, he took part in many international conventions, in particular the United Nations General Assembly and the conferences in Addis Abeba, among other cities.