Legendary Somali poet dies, aged 80

DUBAI — One of Somalia’s most acclaimed poets, Ali Sugule Egal has died in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 80, family announced Monday. Mr. Egal has been in coma for months for illness that left him bed-ridden.

Many Somalis consider him to be one of the greatest Somali classic poets, with many of his poetry arts focused on nationalism as Somalia was struggling to gain an independence from British and Italian colonists in 1960s.

 In his career spanning five decades, Egal’s poetry work campaigned for Somalia’s unity and promoted peace which made him an icon figure among Somali poets.

 Tributes have been paid to the late poet whose literary legacy drew much inspiration and respect among Somalis around the world.

As news of Mr Egal’s death spread, people took to social media to pay tribute to the poet.

“We’ve lost a truly great poet.” Tweeted Ahmed Mohamed, who said he met the poet at a young age in 1980s in Mogadishu.

Another Somali Ali Hassan tweeted “The death of that legend is a huge loss for the Somali literature and the nation as a whole.”

Hiiraan