Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud narrowly escaped a bomb attack that killed several bodyguards and a journalist. Following this incident, authorities shut down Risaala Media and detained numerous journalists covering the story, raising concerns over media freedom. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, escalating fears regarding their operational capabilities and intentions towards Mogadishu.
On Tuesday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud survived an assassination attempt when a roadside bomb targeted his convoy in Mogadishu’s Ceelgaabta neighborhood. The explosion resulted in the deaths of several bodyguards and civilians, including a journalist. This attack underscores the ongoing struggles against the militant group Al-Shabaab, which has shown an alarming capacity to strike high-profile targets.
Witnesses reported that the bomb detonated as the president’s convoy was passing a checkpoint, severely damaging one vehicle and causing some buildings to partially collapse. The Somali Journalists Syndicate confirmed the death of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, further highlighting the dangers faced by media professionals in Somalia. The president was on his way to coordinate forces against Al-Shabaab, which is advancing toward Mogadishu.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, raising serious concerns regarding the government’s intelligence and security measures. Following the explosion, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, confirmed the president’s safety and his intention to oversee military operations against Al-Shabaab.
In the wake of the bombing, there was a significant crackdown on journalists. Authorities temporarily shut down Risaala Media and detained 22 journalists reporting on the incident. Armed police entered the station, ordering it off the air and arresting five journalists before releasing them later that day. Furthermore, 17 journalists were detained at the bombing scene, and their footage was confiscated.
The UK Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act,” and extended condolences to the victims’ families. This incident follows an earlier U.S. Embassy warning of imminent attacks in Somalia, indicating a troubling escalation in violence. Al-Shabaab’s recent strategic gains in the region suggest that the group is intensifying its campaign as it aims to capture Mogadishu by June, further destabilizing the area.
On Friday, Al-Shabaab seized control of an army base in Awdheegle, acquiring a large supply of weapons. Their actions have increasingly put them on a path toward confronting government forces in Mogadishu, having captured several towns in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions and expanding their influence into the capital’s outskirts, specifically around Balcad, approximately 30 kilometers from Mogadishu.
The assassination attempt on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signals the escalating threat posed by Al-Shabaab in Somalia. The tragic loss of lives, including journalists, exemplifies the ongoing risks to media freedom and public safety in Somalia. As the military response intensifies in coordination against militant forces, concerns regarding governmental security measures continue to rise. The rapid advance of Al-Shabaab intensifies pressures on the Somali government and international partners striving to stabilize the region.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
