Thursday March 20, 2025 {HMC} United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Taha have strongly condemned the attack on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He reaffirmed the UN’s full solidarity with Somalia in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to achieve peace and stability.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Taha also denounced what he described as an appalling act of violence. He extended condolences to the Somali government, the families of the victims, and the people of Somalia while wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Taha reiterated the OIC’s commitment to supporting Somalia in confronting threats to its security and stability.
The attack, which targeted the presidential convoy near El-Gab junction in Mogadishu, resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabashe, who was inside a nearby building that collapsed due to the explosion.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, stating on its Telegram channel, “Our fighters targeted a convoy of vehicles carrying Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as they were leaving the presidential palace and heading to the airport.”
Despite the assassination attempt, two senior government and military officials confirmed that President Mohamud was unharmed. Hours after the attack, he arrived in Aden Yabaal district in Middle Shabelle to oversee military operations against Al-Shabaab and boost troop morale.
