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President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Somalia following a failed assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The UAE leader held a phone call with President Mohamud to express his condolences for the lives lost in the attack and to condemn the violence that continues to destabilize Somalia.
The assassination attempt occurred on March 18, 2025, when a roadside bomb targeted President Mohamud’s convoy near the El Gaabta checkpoint in Mogadishu. The explosion, claimed by the Al-Shabaab militant group, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including seven members of the presidential guard, and left several others injured. Despite the attack, President Mohamud emerged unscathed and continued his journey to the frontline town of Adan Yabal in the Middle Shabelle region, where he met with military commanders to rally troops in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.
During their phone conversation, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery for those injured. He strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act of terrorism aimed at undermining Somalia’s stability and security. “The UAE stands in solidarity with Somalia and firmly rejects all forms of violence and terrorism that threaten the safety of its people,” Sheikh Mohamed stated.
President Mohamud, in turn, thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his genuine concern and support during this challenging time. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and rebuilding Somalia’s institutions. The Somali leader also reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab through military, financial, and ideological campaigns.
The UAE has been a longstanding partner in Somalia’s reconstruction efforts, providing humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and security assistance. Sheikh Mohamed’s call underscores the UAE’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against extremism and its journey toward stability.
The assassination attempt highlights the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group that has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade. Despite significant territorial losses in recent years, the group continues to carry out deadly attacks targeting government officials, security forces, and civilians. The attack on President Mohamud’s convoy is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents that underscore the challenges facing Somalia’s security forces.
The international community has widely condemned the attack, with calls for increased support to Somalia in its fight against terrorism. The United Nations, African Union, and other global organizations have reiterated their commitment to assisting Somalia in addressing the root causes of extremism and fostering long-term peace and development.
As Somalia navigates this turbulent period, the focus remains on strengthening its security forces, enhancing regional cooperation, and addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel extremism. President Mohamud’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his determination to lead Somalia toward a brighter future.
The UAE’s solidarity with Somalia, as demonstrated by Sheikh Mohamed’s call, reflects the importance of international partnerships in addressing global security challenges. The road ahead is fraught with difficulties, but with continued support from allies like the UAE, Somalia can work toward achieving lasting peace and stability.