Somalia lowers flags to mourn death of Qatar’s former Emir

Monday July 13, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast for three days following the death of Qatar’s former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

In a statement published by state media Monday, the presidency said the decision reflects Somalia’s solidarity with the government and people of Qatar as they mourn the former leader.

The statement praised Sheikh Hamad’s role in leading Qatar and supporting the country’s development during his tenure.

Qatar has declared four days of national mourning, while leaders and delegations from several countries are expected to offer condolences to the royal family and the Qatari government.

International leaders have also sent messages of condolence, expressing sadness over Sheikh Hamad’s death and praising his role in Qatar’s development and regional and international diplomacy.

Hassan Sheikh was among the leaders who offered condolences after the announcement of the death of Sheikh Hamad, who is also known as the Father Emir of Qatar.

Qatar is one of the countries that has supported Somalia’s federal institutions and implemented humanitarian and development projects in the country.

Sheikh Hamad was born in Doha in January 1952 and graduated from the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before becoming commander of Qatar’s armed forces.

He became heir apparent and defense minister in 1977, assumed power as emir on June 27, 1995, and handed over leadership to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on June 25, 2013.

The peaceful and voluntary transfer of power was rare in the region.