Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has issued a strong statement following the death of General Sheegow Ahmed Ali, who passed away last night at Digfeer Hospital after nearly three years in government detention.
In a message addressed to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Farmaajo began by offering his condolences, saying: “I extend my deepest sympathies and share in the sorrow of the family, loved ones, and the Somali Armed Forces over the passing of General Sheegow Ahmed Ali. May Allah have mercy on him. He was one of the esteemed officers of the Somali National Army.”
Farmaajo called on President Hassan Sheikh to seriously consider the concerns raised by Sheegow’s family and to launch an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the General’s death. “I urge the President of the Republic to heed the family’s plea, as well as that of the youth detainees who were imprisoned alongside the late General. It is crucial that a prompt and thorough investigation be conducted to uncover the conditions that led to his death.”
He concluded his statement with a prayer: “I pray that Allah grants the General the highest place in Paradise and gives patience and faith to his family and the nation during this difficult time.”
The family of General Sheegow has accused the government of medical neglect and poor treatment during his nearly three-year imprisonment in a military facility. However, a conflicting narrative has emerged from government officials associated with the family.
Mohamed Zubeyr, Somalia’s ambassador to Russia and a government official representing the Sheegow clan, released a statement asserting that efforts were being made to transfer the General abroad for medical treatment prior to his passing.
“In recent days, I closely monitored the General’s deteriorating health, which began in prison and eventually led to his hospitalization. We were in the process of organizing urgent medical transfer abroad when, sadly, Allah claimed his soul. It is a deeply painful and shocking loss, but ultimately, God’s decree prevails over all,” Ambassador Zubeyr stated.
