Farmajo orders flags flown at half staff in honour of Ali Mahdi

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has ordered the lowering of the flag to half-staff for three days following the death of former Somali President Ali Mahdi Mohamed.

In a video tweet addressed to the public, Farmajo announced that he would be appointing a committee to oversee Ali Mahdi’s funeral.

The statement also said that Ali Mahdi had played a key role in governing the country and crediting his determination to restore Somali statehood following the central government’s collapse in 1991.

Condolences poured in from around the world, including top Somali government officials.

Former Somali president Ali Mahdi Mohamed passed away from complications due to Covid-19 in Nairobi. He was 82.

An assistant to the former President said that Ali Mahdi was brought to Nairobi four days ago after he and his wife fell ill.

Ali Mahdi was born in Addow-Uul, near Adale district in the Middle Shabelle region in 1935, and was brought up in Mogadishu.

Ali Mahdi Mohamed was the fourth president of Somalia. On January 29, 1991, he became president had served in office for about six years, but his term was marred by civil war in Mogadishu between his fighters and late Gen Mohamed Farah Aidid supporters.