On Monday, hundreds of Somali citizens, including senior government officials, staged a peaceful demonstration. Happening in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, it follows a deadly hotel attack by the extremist group al-Shabaab. The attack, which occurred last Friday, claimed 37 lives and injured 247 others.
The demonstrators gathered at Lido Beach View, where the attack took place, carrying placards that condemned al-Shabaab’s violent actions. The crowd was diverse, comprising survivors of the attack, ministers, and other government officials.
“We came here at Lido Beach to show solidarity with victims of the hotel attack on Friday. Also to let our enemy, al-Shabaab, know that we will not be intimidated.” Says Hassan Abdi. His statement reflected the resolve of the Somali people to stand firm against the threat posed by al-Shabaab.
High-ranking government officials participated in the demonstration. Reaffirming their commitment to fighting terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the Somali people. The protest carry a powerful message to al-Shabaab, showing unity in the Somali government and its citizens. In the aftermath of the attack, there has been widespread support from various sectors of Somali society, with many calling for increased efforts to combat terrorism and bring those responsible to justice. The demonstration at Lido Beach View served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of the Somali people in the face of adversity.
Overall, the protest highlighted the widespread condemnation of al-Shabaab’s actions and underscored the collective resolve of the Somali people to stand together against terrorism and violence.
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