Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Two respected Somali elders were killed on Thursday after a roadside bomb struck their vehicle near Mogadishu, highlighting ongoing security challenges in areas surrounding the capital.
The incident happened in Jabad Geelle village, located in the Elasha Biyaha area, about 15 kilometers south of Mogadishu. Authorities identified the victims as Ali Kadawe and Mohamed Omar, who were traveling with their security guards at the time of the attack.
According to officials, the improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as their vehicle passed by, instantly killing the two elders. Their two bodyguards sustained injuries and were rushed to a Mogadishu hospital for treatment.
Victims Were Surveying Land
Local reports suggest that Kadawe and Omar had been surveying land when the blast occurred. Land ownership and disputes over property rights remain a sensitive and sometimes deadly issue in Mogadishu and its outskirts. In recent years, disagreements over land boundaries, inheritance claims, and illegal seizures have frequently led to clashes, making elders and community leaders vulnerable targets.
The deaths of the two elders come at a time when many communities in and around Mogadishu are relying on traditional leaders to mediate land disputes and resolve tensions peacefully. Their loss is seen as a blow not only to their families but also to efforts to ease growing disputes over property in the capital’s rapidly expanding suburbs.
Security Response
Shortly after the explosion, units from the Somali Police Force and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) arrived at the scene. Security forces cordoned off the area and began an operation to track down those responsible. However, by Thursday evening, no group had claimed responsibility and no arrests were reported.
Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has often used roadside bombs in its insurgency against the Somali government and international forces. While the frequency of such attacks has decreased in Mogadishu compared to previous years, Thursday’s incident has revived fears among residents that security remains fragile outside the capital.
Fear Among Residents
The Elasha Biyaha area, where the attack took place, lies along a major road that connects Mogadishu with Lower Shabelle region. It is an area that has seen repeated clashes, both from insurgent activity and from local disputes. Residents expressed concern that, despite ongoing security operations, the presence of explosive devices remains a constant threat.
“For some time, people thought the situation was improving, but this bombing shows that we are still at risk,” said a local elder who asked not to be named. “We are mourning our brothers today, and we also fear for our own safety.”
The attack has also underscored the vulnerability of traditional leaders, who often travel without heavy security despite their important role in community decision-making.
Decline but Not Elimination of Bombings
Security experts note that while roadside bombings in Somalia have declined compared to their peak, they continue to occur sporadically, especially in areas surrounding Mogadishu. Government offensives supported by African Union forces have weakened Al-Shabaab’s hold on major towns, but the group still maintains the ability to carry out asymmetric attacks such as bombings, ambushes, and assassinations.
The Somali government has repeatedly pledged to improve security in and around the capital. However, Thursday’s blast highlights the challenges that remain in protecting civilians, especially in semi-rural areas where government control is limited.
National Impact
The killing of Kadawe and Omar is expected to deepen public concern over both security and land disputes. Many Somalis view elders as essential mediators who help prevent small disagreements from escalating into violence. The loss of two such figures could increase tension in local communities, particularly if disputes go unresolved.
Authorities have called for calm while urging residents to cooperate with security agencies in identifying those responsible. For families of the victims, however, the tragedy is a reminder that despite progress in stabilizing Somalia, peace remains fragile.
As Mogadishu continues to expand and more people seek land to settle, experts warn that disputes over property will remain a flashpoint for violence. Unless stronger measures are put in place to resolve conflicts and prevent insurgent infiltration, attacks like Thursday’s may continue to undermine hopes for long-term stability.