We don't want Al-Shabaab, say Somalis after beach attack in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Thousands of Somalis flocked the streets of the capital Mogadishu, condemning the recent deaths engineered by the Al-Shabaab, a group that has been killing innocent civilians and security officers in the country.

At the time the group’s activities were significantly reduced, Al-Shabaab launched a terrible attack in Lido Beach, a popular convening point in Mogadishu, killing at least 37 people, mostly innocent civilians and security officers.

And on Monday, angry people poured into the streets to protest against the al-Shabaab militant group following Friday’s deadly complex attack which killed 37 and injured dozens of others. They vowed to assist the government in effectively fighting Al-Shabaab.

The protesters chanting anti-Al-Shabaab slogans, such as, “We don’t want Khawaarij; we don’t want killers of the innocents,” marched through the city, including Lido Beach, the scene of the attack.

Earlier, Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre had urged members of the public to be proactive in the fight against Al-Shabaab by sharing security intelligence with the police and members of the Somali National Army (SNA) who are in charge of security.

Al-Shabaab is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia but assistance from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the US Africa Command have made it practically impossible.

Somalia is confident that by the end of December 2024, Alshabaab will have lost significant territories across the country as the Somali National Army takes over security responsibilities. Already, ATMIS has started withdrawing from the country.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had declared total war against the Al-Shabaab who are still much present in central and southern regions. The group has, however, lost several frontlines as the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab continues.

GAROWE ONLINE