AU, UK Condemn Attack on Somali President’s Convoy in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned the car bomb attack in Mogadishu that targeted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday.

The attack, carried out by Al-Shabaab militants, occurred at a busy intersection as the president was preparing to travel to the frontlines of Somalia’s counterterrorism operations.

In a statement issued from Addis Ababa on Wednesday, the AU Chairperson described the attack as a “cowardly and indiscriminate act of terror” aimed at undermining Somalia’s leadership and national stability.

He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering solidarity with the Somali government and people in their fight against terrorism.

“This despicable act of terror is yet another desperate attempt by Al-Shabaab to undermine the resolve of the Somali people and leadership,” Youssouf stated. “The growing public support for Somalia’s security operations is a testament to the nation’s collective will to reject extremism and secure a peaceful future.”

The Chairperson extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and wished a swift recovery for the injured. He emphasized the need for sustained vigilance, regional cooperation, and international support to combat terrorism and promote lasting peace in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa.

The AU reiterated its role as a steadfast partner in Somalia’s journey toward peace, security, and development. The attack underscores the persistent security challenges Somalia faces as it continues efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab and stabilize the country.

UK Condemns Attack

The British Embassy in Somalia has also strongly condemned the deadly explosion, which resulted in the deaths of at least four people, including prominent Somali journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabbaashe.

In a statement, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the British Embassy in Mogadishu stated.

The explosion, which occurred near the offices of Radio Risaala—where Dabbaashe worked—damaged vehicles in the presidential convoy. However, President Mohamud was unharmed and proceeded with his scheduled trip to central Somalia, where he was set to meet with troops engaged in counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab.

Eyewitnesses reported that the blast caused significant destruction in the area, with emergency responders rushing to assist the injured. The Somali government has vowed to intensify its operations against Al-Shabaab, which continues to target officials, journalists, and civilians in its insurgency.

Dabbaashe, a Mogadishu-based journalist at independent station Radio Risaala, was among those killed in the attack. His death has sparked widespread condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates, who have called for greater protection for journalists operating in Somalia.