(18 Nov 2024) HARGEISA (Halqabsi News) — Ambassador Yusuf Hassan Farah, widely known as Yusuf Dheeg, has passed away in Hargeisa at the age of 84. Dheeg, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Air Force Commander was a prominent figure in Somalia’s political and military history. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a “valuable military expert and senior diplomat,” highlighting his key roles during Somalia’s turbulent state-building and military periods. Dheeg succumbed to diabetes after residing in Hargeisa in his later years.
Dheeg’s illustrious career began in the Somali Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Commander in the 1970s before transitioning to diplomacy. He served as Somalia’s ambassador to several countries, including Cuba, Sudan, Mozambique, and China. He remained active in diplomacy until the collapse of Somalia’s military regime, after which he continued to be a respected figure in Somali politics.
Colleagues and associates, including General Mahamud Sheikh Ali, Commander of the Somali Air Force, and politician Abdirahman Abdishakur, remembered Dheeg as a man of wisdom, humility, and dedication. His contributions to Somalia’s military and diplomatic spheres were described as foundational, earning him respect both domestically and internationally. His passing marks the end of a legacy of service to the Somali people.
Halqabsi News
