Monday July 13, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered Somalia’s flag lowered to half-mast for three days on Monday as a sign of mourning after the death of Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
In a statement carried by state media, the presidency said the move signals Somalia’s sympathy with the Qatari government and its people during their period of grief.
The statement highlighted Sheikh Hamad’s leadership in steering Qatar’s growth and his contributions to the country’s advancement while in office.
Qatar announced four days of national mourning, and a number of foreign leaders and delegations are expected to travel to offer their condolences to the royal family and Qatari authorities.
Messages of condolence have poured in from around the world, with international figures noting Sheikh Hamad’s influence on Qatar’s development and its diplomacy at regional and global levels.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was among the leaders who publicly expressed sympathy following the announcement of the death of Sheikh Hamad, often referred to as the Father Emir of Qatar.
Qatar has been a partner to Somalia, backing federal institutions and carrying out humanitarian and development initiatives within the country.
Born in Doha in January 1952, Sheikh Hamad was educated at the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later served as commander of Qatar’s armed forces.
He was named heir apparent and appointed defense minister in 1977, succeeded to the emirate on June 27, 1995, and transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on June 25, 2013.
The orderly, voluntary handover of authority was an uncommon occurrence in the region.
