President Abdullahi Farmaajo cuts Ethiopia trip short to attend funeral of slain minister
Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo cut short his official visit to neighbouring Ethiopia, in order to return to his country and participate in the burial of the youngest minister in his government.
Abdullahi Sheikh Abass, the minister for public works, was shot dead late Wednesday in the capital Mogadishu by security forces who allegedly mistook him for a suicide bomber.
The 31-year-old grew up in a refugee camp, and became Somalia’s youngest MP in November before being named minister in February.
In a tweet, the president expressed his sadness at the loss of the 31-year-old minister, who he described as young, diligent and intelligent.
"I am cutting short my visit to Ethiopia to mourn with my country and take part in the state burial of minister Abass"
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) May 3, 2017
President Abdullahi has also called for an investigation into the incident which he termed an unfortunate tragedy.
Condolences have been trickling in from leaders across the continent with the AU Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat sending his regards early Thursday morning.
