AQRI.net Reporting from Somalia Renowned Somali poet Sugaal Abdulle was among the seven people killed in a suicide bombing at a tea shop near the Mogadishu Police Academy, police confirmed. Abdulle, a celebrated artist and member of the Heegan Police cultural group, was known for his poetry, songwriting, and acting, contributing to Somali arts for nearly four decades.
Born in Mudug, Abdulle’s career blossomed in Galkayo before he joined Heegan’s cultural division in Mogadishu. His most famous work, the song “Leyla,” became an iconic hit across the country. Sugaal also played a major role in Somali theatre, with works like Magaala-joog Xumo (“The Misfortune of City Life”).
In his later years, Sugaal’s poetry focused on themes of nationalism and unity, inspiring many during Somalia’s long civil conflict. Osman Abdullahi Gure, director of the National Theatre, praised him as a patriot who used his art to promote national pride.
