277. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rogers to President Nixon1 2
Subject:
- Assassination of Somali President
Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, President of the Somali Republic, was assassinated October 15. President of the National Assembly, Sheikh Muktar, is next in line constitutionally and is taking charge. Somali Prime Minister Egal, third in line, is still in the United States. Egal and the Somali Ambassador, Azhari who is the son-in-law of President Shermarke have been informed. Egal is expected to leave immediately for Mogadiscio.
President Shermarke fully supported Egalʼs detente policy. Peace in the Horn of Africa during the past two years has been important to us because of our interests in Ethiopia. A new president, according to the constitution, is to be elected within thirty days. Likely candidates include former President Osman, a former Prime Minister, and Egal himself. All these possibilities are pro-West and likely to continue the detente.
A Muslim country burial within a short period (twenty-four hours) is likely. Hence a request for high level representation at a state funeral is not expected.