Nairobi, Kenya – General Mohamed Said Hersi, widely known as “Morgan,” a prominent figure in Somalia’s military and political history, has died in Nairobi at the age of 76, family sources confirmed.
Morgan had been ailing for several months, and his health reportedly took a sudden downturn while he was in Puntland.
He was medically evacuated to Kenya, where he passed away.
Born in 1949 in Qardho, Bari region, Morgan began his military career in 1967.
He received advanced training in the United States, Italy, and the former Soviet Union, rising through the ranks to become Somalia’s Defense Minister during the military regime.
He later commanded the 26th army division, which was implicated in human rights abuses during clashes with SNM rebels in what is now Somaliland.
After the collapse of President Siad Barre’s regime, Morgan became a powerful faction leader in the ensuing civil war. He was also Barre’s son-in-law, having married his daughter.
In more recent years, Morgan served as a senior security advisor to the President of Puntland, maintaining influence in regional affairs.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.