Mohamed Ali Yusuf

Director of the Puntland Peace Center In January 2010, Gaagaab chaired a conference on security in Galkayo in his capacity as Director of the Galkayo Education Center for Peace and Development (GECPD).

His death was confirmed by his family, as well as colleagues in the Upper House of Parliament.

Reaction Many leaders expressed their condolences, including Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, Vice President Ilyas Lugator and former Puntland Presidents Abdirahman Farole and Abdiweli Gaas. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed expressed gratitude for Gaagaab's accomplishments; he posted on X (formerly Twitter), "President Gaagaab was a charismatic statesman and patriotic veteran who had contributed greatly to the building of the Somali state."

Senior Puntland politicians and officials from the Somali federal government also shared messages of sympathy. Following the funeral, the body was transported from Mogadishu to Galkayo. He was given a state funeral by Vice President of Puntland Ilyas Osman Lugator and buried alongside Abdullahi Yusuf cemetery.