BBC legend dies as heartbroken tributes pour in for | UK News

While a trigger of death has yet to be revealed, Duale reportedly died in London on Friday (July 17), and the tragic news prompted an outpour of tributes from heartbroken listeners. Taking to social media, former BBC reporter M.M Dhoore announced: “A veteran Somali journalist who worked for the BBC and many local media outlets, Mohamoud Abdi Ali (Ducaale), passed away on Friday evening in #London. His iconic radio voice still echoes in the ears of the Somali people.”

Taking to X/Twitter, Somalia’s minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis added: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my former colleague, Mohamud Abdi Ali Duale, at the BBC World Service. May Allah grant him the highest level in Jannah and forgive his shortcomings. May He comfort his family & loved ones & reward them with patience.”

MP Abdilahi Gacmadhere of Somaliland also shared a touching post, writing: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of veteran journalist and historian Mahamoud Abdi Ali Duale. Throughout his life, the late Duale made remarkable contributions to documenting and preserving the history, struggles, and national journey of the Republic of Somaliland.

“His dedication, dedication, and service to safeguarding our collective reminiscence will stay a lasting legacy for generations to come. My heartfelt condolences go to his household, colleagues, and the people of Somaliland. May Almighty Allah have mercy on his soul, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him the very best place in Jannat al-Firdaws,” the politician concluded.

As a third penned: “Very unhappy to hear of the passing of one of the best and most gifted Somali journalists. I used to be lucky to have labored with him and to have spent time with him socially in London.

“Duale, as he was popularly known, was incredibly down-to-earth and one of the coolest people you could ever meet. When Duale was reading the world news on BBC Somali, it was always a must-listen and a joy. His voice, delivery, and professionalism made every bulletin memorable. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

In addition to his time at the BBC, Duale’s broadcasting profession also noticed him be a part of Somalia’s Radio Mogadishu in 1973 and conduct interviews on the nation’s widely fashionable Xusuus-Reeb programme, which options in-depth interviews with veterans, politicians, and elders who recount pivotal eras in Somali historical past.