MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 13, 2026 — Somalia has declared three days of national mourning following the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordering the national flag to be flown at half-staff across the country.
The announcement was made by the Somali presidency on Monday as the government joined other countries in paying tribute to the late Qatari leader, who ruled the Gulf state from 1995 until stepping down in 2013. The decision reflects the close diplomatic relationship between Somalia and Qatar, one of Mogadishu’s longstanding development and humanitarian partners.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud directed that the Somali national flag be lowered for three days at all government institutions and official locations as a mark of respect for the late emir.
Somali authorities have not announced additional national mourning activities beyond the order concerning the national flag. No further details were immediately released regarding official memorial events or government ceremonies.
The declaration places Somalia among the countries formally recognizing the passing of Sheikh Hamad, whose leadership transformed Qatar into a major regional and international actor.
Sheikh Hamad’s Legacy
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani became Qatar’s ruler in June 1995 after assuming power in a bloodless palace coup while his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, was abroad.
During his 18 years in office, Qatar experienced rapid economic growth fueled by its natural gas industry and expanded its diplomatic influence across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
His government invested heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and international diplomacy. Qatar also became an increasingly active mediator in regional conflicts and significantly expanded its humanitarian and development assistance abroad.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking one of the rare peaceful successions of power among Gulf monarchies.
Somalia-Qatar Relations
Somalia and Qatar have maintained close diplomatic relations for many years.
Qatar has supported Somalia through humanitarian assistance, development projects, infrastructure investment, education, and emergency relief efforts. The two governments have also cooperated on political dialogue and regional diplomacy.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has maintained regular engagement with Qatari leaders during his current administration, with bilateral cooperation covering economic development, investment, security, and humanitarian assistance.
The decision to declare national mourning reflects those longstanding ties and Somalia’s recognition of Sheikh Hamad’s role in strengthening relations between the two countries.
Sheikh Hamad’s rise to power in 1995 marked a turning point in Qatar’s modern history.
His administration oversaw the expansion of the country’s liquefied natural gas sector, transforming Qatar into one of the world’s wealthiest nations on a per capita basis. During his rule, Qatar also increased its diplomatic profile by hosting international negotiations and expanding its global media, economic, and foreign policy influence.
During the early 2000s, media reports and leaked recordings circulated alleging discussions involving Sheikh Hamad and former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi concerning regional political matters. Those reports have remained politically disputed, and no international legal findings have established the allegations as fact.
Somalia’s decision to observe three days of national mourning underscores the importance of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar, a country that has remained engaged in Somalia’s reconstruction and development efforts for many years.
The move also reflects Somalia’s broader foreign policy approach of maintaining close partnerships with Gulf countries that provide humanitarian assistance, investment, and political support.
For Qatar, Sheikh Hamad is widely regarded as the architect of the country’s modern transformation. Somalia’s tribute highlights the significance of his legacy beyond the Gulf region and illustrates the diplomatic ties that continue under the current leadership of both nations.
Government institutions across Somalia are expected to observe the presidential directive by flying the national flag at half-staff for the duration of the three-day mourning period.
The Somali government has not announced additional measures related to the mourning period. Officials are expected to continue normal government operations while observing the national tribute ordered by the president.