Protests by Somalis against al-Shabaab follow a fatal hotel attack

Following last Friday’s terrible hotel bombing that claimed 37 lives, hundreds of Somalis, including high-ranking government officials, peacefully protested against the militant organization al-Shabaab on Monday in the capital city of Mogadishu.

Protesters held signs denouncing the horrors of al-Shabaab, and they gathered near the Lido Beach View, the scene of the attack. With strong chants like “We don’t want al-Shabaab,” “We don’t like killers,” and “The people of Mogadishu are not afraid of al-Shabaab,” they demonstrated their support for the 247 individuals who were hurt in the attack as well as the ones who lost their lives.

Survivors, ministers, and government representatives were among the protestors. They urged Somalis to band together and cooperate with security forces in order to fight terrorism, and they swore not to be scared by it.

“We came here to Lido Beach to show solidarity with victims of the hotel attack and to let our enemy (al-Shabaab) know that we will not be intimidated,” said Hassan Abdi, a demonstrator.

A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the Lido Beach View entrance around 10 p.m. on August 2, initiating the attack.

Five more assailants broke into the area after the first explosion, where a large number of people were dining, swimming, and strolling.

Security personnel swiftly intervened and neutralized the terrorists on the ground, apprehending one who was operating an explosives-filled vehicle, according to police spokesperson Aden. During the operation, one soldier lost his life and another was injured.

54 people were allegedly murdered in the incident, which Al-Shabaab claimed was its fault.

Many Somalis visit Lido Beach, a well-liked hangout, because of its charming restaurants and beach hotels, where they can enjoy romantic walks along the lovely coastline with their loved ones. Along Lido Beach, a number of beach restaurants have previously been assaulted by militants. Over ten people lost their lives in a violent incident that occurred last year.

The beachside strikes in Mogadishu, according to analysts, highlight the terrorist network’s resolve to reclaim control of the Somali city following its debilitation at the hands of African Union soldiers.