We Must Stand United in the Wake of The Horrific Terror Attack in Mogadishu

On Saturday, a massive truck bomb exploded in the centre of Mogadishu. The blast, which badly damaged the entire block near the Safari Hotel, killed at least 300 people and injured many more. Knowing that the death toll is certain to grow only sharpens the pain.

Although they are yet to claim responsibility, the Somali government believes extremist group al-Shabaab is behind the attack. The bombing has all the hallmarks of the militants.

‘They don’t care about the lives of Somali people, mothers, fathers, and children,’ Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said. ‘They have targeted the most populated area in Mogadishu, killing only civilians.’

We are sickened by this revolting and inhuman act. There is no other way to put it: this is mass murder on an enormous scale, and the fact that many of the victims were women and children only emphasises the cowardly, morally bankrupt motivations of the perpetrators.

In these difficult times, we must unite – as the diaspora, as Somalis, as humans – to condemn these horrific acts and to help those affected by them. We must pray for the victims of the bombing and, if we can, support the first responders who are still working to save lives in Mogadishu. Our communities are suffering, so it’s down to us to help one another.

With every hour that passes and every news report that comes in, the scale of the tragedy grows, and the necessity to stand united in the face of such terror becomes even more important.

Somalia has made incredible strides towards stability and peace in the past year, and we cannot ever let these terrible acts of hate stop our progress.

If you are able to, please donate to the relief heroic staff and volunteers at Aamin Ambulance. If you are worried about relatives and need help contacting them, or you simply want to talk about Saturday, then please get in touch with us.

Featured image credit: Feisal Omar/Reuters