Tuesday March 18, 2025
Somali journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe at Radio Risaala in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 2021. Dabaashe, an independent journalist and former reporter for Risaala Media, was killed in a bomb attack targeting Somalia’s presidential convoy in Mogadishu on March 18, 2025. The attack, claimed by Al Shabaab, marked the first journalist fatality in Somalia this year. (Photo: Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe / Facebook)
Mogadishu (HOL) — A roadside bomb targeting Somalia’s presidential convoy in Mogadishu on Tuesday morning killed journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, marking the first journalist fatality in the country this year.
The blast occurred at El-Gab Junction, near Villa Somalia, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy was expected to pass. While the president was unharmed, the blast caused multiple casualties, including civilians. Dabaashe, an independent journalist and former reporter for Risaala Media was among those killed. His body was recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building later in the day.
Al Shabaab, the militant group that has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it had specifically targeted the president’s motorcade. The attack marks the first direct attempt on Mohamud’s life since 2014 when the group bombed a hotel where he was speaking during his first term in office.
The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemned the attack, calling it a tragic loss for Somalia’s press community. “He becomes the first journalist killed in Somalia this year and joins a long list of journalists killed in the country over the past three decades,” SJS said in a statement.
The Somali Women Journalists Organization (SWJO) also expressed sorrow over the deaths of Dabaashe and another journalist, Ayuub Wardheere, who was also killed in the explosion. “Heartbreaking news from Mogadishu: Journalists Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe and Ayuub Wardheere tragically lost their lives in today’s explosion. We extend heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and the media community,” the organization stated.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed condemned the attack, attributing it to Al Shabaab and urging unity against terrorism. “I strongly condemn this cowardly attack carried out by the terrorist group Al Shabaab in Mogadishu, which took the lives of innocent Somalis as they were fasting and had no part in the conflict,” Ahmed said.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and the media fraternity on the tragic death of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, who was among the civilian casualties of this barbaric act. May Allah grant those who lost their lives Jannatul Firdowsa.”
“This attack serves as yet another reminder to the Somali people and authorities of the urgent need to unite and stand against the heinous acts of terrorist groups. Lastly, I commend the Somali security forces and community defence units who work tirelessly to prevent and eradicate terrorism.”
Hours after the attack, state media broadcast images of President Mohamud in the Adan Yabal district of Middle Shabelle, where government forces are engaged in a military campaign against Al Shabaab.
In response to the bombing, Somali security forces launched counterterrorism operations across Mogadishu. Authorities are expected to impose additional security measures to prevent further attacks in the capital.
