COLUMBUS (SD) – One of Somalia’s presidential candidates has last night died in United States after short illness, relatives confirmed.

Abdikarim Ali Omar who announced his bid for the presidency in Somalia last October passed away in one of the hospitals in Columbus city of Ohio state.

According relatives Omar has been in the hospital for the past few days but circumstances which led to his death was not yet disclosed.

Omar served as ambassador to the U.S during the reign of Mohamed Siyad Barre. He was the last diplomat appointed by Barre and served the office for two months between November and December of 1989.

He also worked at Somalia’s embassy in Canada.