He was killed along with Somali Football Federation (SFF) chief Said Mohamed Nur and at least four other dignitaries who had gathered in Somalia's national theatre to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the country's national television station.

The explosion at the theatre, which reopened only recently, was seen as a symbol of the city's re-emergence, it is also the latest attacks on Somalia sporting targets.

"It is a black day for Somalia sports, I'm still very shocked by what happened in Mogadishu ", said Sheikh Ahmad in the letter.

"On behalf of ANOC Executive Council and its 205 members, I would like to extend my profound condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Yeberow.

"Mr Yeberow dedicated himself to the Olympism and showed an excellent example to the world that the power of sport could unify a country torn apart by civil war."

"The Olympic Family including ANOC will be surely standing side by side with Somali Olympic Committee and the people of Somalia in this most difficult time and offer any necessary assistance needed to recover from this tragedy as soon as possible."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
April 2012: Somalia's Olympic and football bosses killed in Mogadishu suicide bomb