PARIS — Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh traveled to the French capital on Friday to pay his final respects to the country’s late Minister of Defense, Hassan Omar Berhan, whose death has sparked mourning across Djibouti’s political, military, and diplomatic circles.
Berhan passed away while receiving medical treatment in France, bringing to an end a long career in public service that spanned several decades and placed him among the most influential figures in Djibouti’s government. His death represents a significant loss for a country where he played a central role in shaping defense policy, state institutions, and parliamentary affairs.
During his visit to Paris, President Guelleh paid tribute to the late minister, describing him as one of Djibouti’s most loyal, competent, and dedicated servants of the state. The president praised Berhan’s commitment to national service and his unwavering support for the country’s stability and development throughout his years in government.
“Djibouti has lost one of its most faithful sons,” Guelleh reportedly said, highlighting the minister’s professionalism, integrity, and contribution to strengthening national institutions.
Hassan Omar Berhan served in several senior government positions during his distinguished political career. Most notably, he held the portfolio of Minister of Defense, overseeing one of the country’s most strategic sectors at a time when the Horn of Africa faced evolving security challenges, including terrorism, regional instability, and maritime security threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
In addition to his defense responsibilities, Berhan also served as a member of parliament and held other key government positions, earning a reputation as an experienced statesman and trusted adviser within Djibouti’s leadership. Colleagues and political observers frequently described him as a pragmatic leader who combined administrative expertise with a deep understanding of national security and governance.
His tenure coincided with Djibouti’s growing importance as a strategic hub for international military cooperation. The country hosts several foreign military bases and has played a significant role in regional security initiatives aimed at combating piracy, terrorism, and cross-border threats.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from government officials, lawmakers, military officers, and citizens across Djibouti. Many praised his decades of service and recalled his efforts to strengthen the country’s defense institutions and support national development.
Flags are expected to be flown at half-mast at government facilities, while senior officials continue preparations for official funeral ceremonies expected to be held following the repatriation of his remains from France.
The death of Hassan Omar Berhan marks the end of a chapter in Djiboutian public life, leaving behind a legacy closely associated with state service, national security, and the consolidation of government institutions in one of the Horn of Africa’s most strategically important nations.
