Former Somalia envoy to UN Abdulrahim Farah passes on at 99

FILE: Abdulrahim Abby Farah (left) of Somalia, Chairman of the Committee, conversing with Ralph J. Bunche, Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs. At centre is F. Y. Chai, Committee Secretary. October 25, 1968. UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata

Former Somali Permanent Representative to the UN Abdulrahim Abby Farah has passed on at the age of 99.

Farah who rose to be one of the most respected diplomats in the UN served in various capacities building his career before independence and became director of information services by 1961.

Farah was appointed ambassador to Ethiopia between 1961 and 65 before being appointed permanent representative to the UN in 1965. The diplomat would later serve in various diplomatic roles in the UN including as Assistant Secretary-General for Special Political Questions between 1973 and 1978.

In 1998, Farah founded Partnership to Strengthen African Grassroots Organizations (PaSAGO).