NAIROBI — General Mohamed Hirsi Morgan, the former Minister of Defense of the Somali Democratic Republic prior to the collapse of the central government in 1991, has died in Nairobi, Kenya. He passed away on May 28, 2025, following a period of illness.

Born in the 1949, General Morgan hailed from the Puntland region and dedicated much of his life to the service of the Somali nation. A graduate of military academies during Somalia’s formative years, General Morgan rose through the ranks during the post-independence era, ultimately becoming one of the key figures in the Somali Armed Forces under the government of President Mohamed Siad Barre.

General Morgan’s passing marks the end of an era. To many, he represented the last generation of Somali military leaders who were educated, disciplined, and fully committed to a unified Somali nation. His contributions, sacrifices, and legacy—whether praised or critiqued—are indelibly etched into the historical memory of the Somali people.

As Minister of Defense, he played a pivotal role in shaping Somalia’s national defense strategy during one of the country’s most turbulent political and military periods. General Morgan was also widely recognized for his strategic command and military acumen during regional conflicts, as well as his strong stance on preserving Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A son-in-law to President Siad Barre, General Morgan stood at the nexus of Somalia’s military and political leadership during the 1980s and was both revered and criticized for his decisive role in national affairs. Despite the controversies that surrounded his career, particularly in the years following the collapse of the central government, General Morgan remained a significant figure in Somali political discourse and was often cited in discussions around military professionalism, federalism, and reconciliation.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades-in-arms, and to the broader Somali public who mourn his loss. We pray that Allah (SWT) to forgives his shortcomings grants him Jannatul Firdowsa, and grants patience and solace to those he leaves behind.

“إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ”
Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.

WardheerNews