Sudanese Ambassador dies in Abuja

The Ambassador of Sudan to Nigeria, Dr Tagelsir Ali, died in Abuja yesterday.

According to the Media Advisor to the embassy, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, Ali, 66, died at about 1 am yesterday at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Ali, who was posted to Nigeria in February, 2012, the advisor said, was down with malaria.

He said: "He had malaria, there were some complications and he passed away around 1 am early this morning.

"There is a presidential jet coming by 5 pm (yesterday) to take the remains to Sudan for burial. He was 66 years old.

"He loved working in Nigeria and had zeal to develop the bilateral relationship between Sudan and Nigeria and was able to stretch himself very well."

When contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, said the ministry was aware of the ambassador's death.