Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – The funeral arrangements for the late General Shegow Ahmed Ali were held today after his body was released to his family. The General, who recently passed away while in custody under the Somali government, was mourned by relatives, officials, and members of his community.
Funeral prayers were held at Digfeer Hospital, attended by the Chief Justice of Somalia, Liban Ali Yarow, along with members of parliament and federal ministers from General Shegow’s community.
After the prayers, members of the public carried the General’s body from the hospital on foot to Aden Adde International Airport. From there, the body was flown to Jowhar, the General’s hometown, where he will be laid to rest.
Dr. Mahad Hashim, a family member, confirmed that the government had agreed to release the General’s body to his relatives. “It was agreed to finalize the funeral arrangements, and the government cooperated in handing over General Shegow to us,” he stated.
He added, “The Jareerwayne community has lost General Shegow—may God have mercy on him. Today, we are taking him to his final resting place in Jowhar.”
According to officials, General Shegow’s illness began as hepatitis but later progressed to cancer. This was revealed by Abdishakur Shashaa, the Deputy Minister of Information in Hirshabelle and a relative of the late General, in a media statement last week.
Despite the government’s claim that the General received medical treatment, his family alleges negligence and inadequate healthcare during his imprisonment, which they believe contributed to his death.
General Shegow was arrested following a violent confrontation in Mogadishu between his forces and government troops. He was subsequently tried by a military court, sentenced, and imprisoned in Mogadishu.
In addition to mourning their loved one, the General’s family is calling for the release of 22 young men who were arrested alongside him. “There are 22 young men still detained,” said Dr. Hashim. “Technical processes are underway, and once completed, we expect them to be released.”