Hundreds of Somalis gathered at the site of a devastating attack on a beach hotel in Mogadishu on Monday, expressing their grief and anger over the violence.
The attack, claimed by the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab, left at least 37 people dead and dozens injured.
The popular Lido Beach hotel was targeted on Friday in a complex assault that involved multiple attackers.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene of chaos and panic as the militants stormed the building.
Security forces engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours.
Adar Sabriye, who tragically lost her son in the attack, joined the protest demanding increased security measures.
She described her son as a quiet and studious young man, and expressed her deep sorrow over his untimely death.
Ahmed Mohamed, another protester, called on all Somalis to unite in the fight against al-Shabab.
He emphasized that the militant group poses a threat to everyone, not just government officials and soldiers.
The attack has highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Somalia, despite recent progress in the fight against al-Shabab.
The Somali government has been battling the insurgency for years, with support from African Union peacekeeping forces.
However, the drawdown of these troops has coincided with a resurgence of attacks in the capital.
Security analyst Samira Gaid attributed the deteriorating security situation to the government’s shift in focus towards politics and elections.
She warned that the pause in offensive operations against al-Shabab outside Mogadishu has created opportunities for the militants to regroup and carry out attacks within the city.
As the nation mourns its losses, the Somali people are calling for decisive action to address the security crisis and prevent future tragedies.