Excellency,
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Somali Prime Minister Abdirisak Hajji Hussein on 31 January 2014.

His integrity and commitment to justice and good governance inspired generations of Somalis.

From his early years as a member of the Somali Youth League to his service as Prime Minister and his role as Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, former Prime Minister Hussein showed himself to be an exceptional man, a leading nationalist who devoted his life to serving his nation.

His legacy will live on, and it is my hope that it will motivate a new generation of Somali leaders dedicated to peace, unity and public service.

Please accept, Excellency, my sincere condolences to his family and to the Somali people, and the assurance of my highest consideration.

Nicholas Kay
Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia.