Somalis hold protests, call for accountability after deadly hotel attack

Hundreds of Somalis, including senior government officials, staged on Monday a peaceful demonstration in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, denouncing the al-Shabaab militant group following a deadly hotel attack last Friday which killed 37 people. 

Gathering at the Lido Beach View where the attack occurred, demonstrators carried anti-al-Shabaab placards condemning the group's atrocities. 

Chanting defiant slogans such as "We don't want al-Shabaab, we don't like killers," and "The people of Mogadishu are not afraid of al-Shabaab," the demonstrators showed solidarity with the deceased victims and 247 others wounded in the assault. 

Among the demonstrators were survivors, ministers, and officials who vowed not to be intimidated by terrorism and called on Somalis to unite and collaborate with security agencies to combat terrorism. 

The attack began at 22:00 (1900 GMT) on August 2 when a bomber detonated an explosive device at the entrance of the Lido Beach View. 

Following the initial explosion, five additional attackers stormed the area, where many residents were engaged in activities such as dining, swimming, and walking. 

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Some of the survivors bravely returned to show solidarity with their fellow Somalis who said they are fed-up with the security situation. 

They took time to provide some details on how an outing to the country's shores turned into a waking nightmare. 

"I was really very happy after arriving at the beach about 30 minutes before the attack, we came from this side near an elite hotel and as we moved we suddenly encountered a huge explosion and I saw people falling down, blood everywhere, people screaming for help. Together with my friend, we rescued some injured people and evacuated the area," said Omar Elmi, a survivor of the beach attack. 

It was an emotional time for those who turned up on Monday, with demonstrators expressing anger that the country's younger generations are suffering the most. 

"As young people, we can't tolerate collecting bodies of our friends and visiting the injured in hospitals, those killed are youthful. It is very rare to see politicians or older people in the same scenario, so we need to unite and wake up," said a female protester. 

Somali authorities say an investigation has been launched and dozens of security officials have been arrested for negligence. 

However, some protesters want to see more accountability at the highest level, calling on action from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. 

"This is not right. We need action. The vehicle that exploded here passed through several security checkpoints, and it was approved. Then it killed young people. We need to hold security officials accountable. I am sure the president can do that. That is our request," said Ahmed Nur Hassan, another protester. 

Lido Beach, a popular hangout spot, features picturesque beach hotels and restaurants that attract many Somalis. 

Militants have in the past carried out attacks on several beachside restaurants along Lido Beach. An attack last year claimed the lives of more than 10 individuals. 

Analysts say the assaults on Mogadishu's beachfront underscore the terrorist network's determination to reassert its authority in the Somali capital after being weakened by the African Union troops.

(Source: Reuters)

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