Abbas Abdullahi Sheikh Siraji (15 August 1985-3 May 2017) was Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction of Somalia from 4 April 2017 to 3 May 2017, succeeding Salah Sheik Osman.
Biography[]
Abbas Abdullahi Sheikh Siraji was born in Afmadoow, Somalia on 15 August 1985, and he spent the majority of his life living in refugee camps. He was educated at the NEP Technical Training College in Garissa, Kenya, and he became president of the Students' Union, entering politics for the first time. After graduating from Moi University with a business administration degree, he returned to Somalia in 2011, working with humanitarian agencies. Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire named him Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction in 2017, making him the youngest cabinet member, as he was only 31 years old. The young Siraji was not affiliated with any political party, and he focused on building the infrastructure of Somalia under the liberal government. On 3 May 2017, he was killed by Somali National Army troops when they fired on his vehicle near Villa Somalia, mistakenly perceiving his vehicle as a threat.