By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Somalia, July 16 2026 – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited Qatar's embassy in Mogadishu on Wednesday to offer condolences following the death of the country's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani describing him as a leader whose legacy extended beyond Qatar.
Barre signed the condolence book and conveyed sympathies to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari royal family, the government and the people of Qatar.
Speaking during the visit, the prime minister said the late emir had transformed Qatar through economic development and modernisation while strengthening its position in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
"He was not only a loss to Qatar, but to the Arab and Islamic nations," Barre said, adding that the former ruler had worked to promote cooperation among Arab and Muslim countries.
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Barre also praised Sheikh Hamad's support for Somalia, saying he had stood by the Somali people during difficult periods and encouraged the country's development and economic recovery.
"The Somali people hold deep respect and appreciation for the late emir, Emir Sheikh Tamim, the ruling family and the people of Qatar," he said, expressing confidence that the close relationship between the two countries would continue to grow.
Sheikh Hamad, who led Qatar through a period of rapid economic expansion and increasing international influence, stepped down in 2013, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Somalia has declared national mourning and Somali president has travelled to Doha and paid tribute to the former emir following his death.