By Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
Tonight, Mogadishu is engulfed in mourning following a series of horrific attacks by Al-Shabaab, with the city reeling from the bloodshed and loss. Earlier today, a suicide bomber targeted the Police Academy, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 6 others. In a further act of cruelty, Al-Shabaab assassins murdered 14 businessmen within the past 24 hours. These victims were targeted for refusing to dismantle CCTV cameras installed in their shops, cameras that had been put up as part of government efforts to strengthen security. The people of Mogadishu, devastated by these attacks, are collectively mourning, grappling with the overwhelming tragedy that has shattered their lives.
Amid this profound sorrow, the city was shocked by the death of one of its cultural icons, celebrated member of the Somali National Theater, Mr. Sugule a renowned poet and man of letters, who was among those killed in the Police Academy attack. His loss is a devastating blow not only to his family but to the entire Somali nation, as he was a beloved figure who had contributed immensely to the country’s literary and artistic heritage.
In the wake of this tragedy, the people of Mogadishu were left yearning for leadership and compassion. Surprisingly, among Somalia’s elite, only former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed offered public condolences, showing solidarity with the grieving nation. His words provided some comfort to a populace that feels abandoned in its hour of need.
In stark contrast, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud failed to acknowledge the tragedy. While the people of Mogadishu mourn the loss of their loved ones and public figures, Villa Somalia was hosting a wedding ceremony on the same night. The President’s choice to attend and host a celebration in the face of such a calamity has been widely perceived as an egregious act of irresponsibility and a display of a profound lack of empathy. His failure to even issue a public statement or offer condolences to the victims’ families has sparked outrage, with many viewing it as a clear sign of his administration’s detachment from the suffering of ordinary citizens.
The juxtaposition of Mogadishu’s grief and the festive atmosphere within Villa Somalia has left a bitter taste for many Somalis. It highlights the growing divide between the government and its people, where the agony of daily life under terrorist threat is seemingly ignored by those in power. The lack of action or compassion from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seen as a betrayal of the Somali people’s trust, deepening the sense of isolation and abandonment.
The silence from Villa Somalia during such a critical moment is deafening, while the people of Mogadishu continue to face the harsh realities of insecurity and violence. Former President Sheikh Sharif’s act of condolence stands as a stark reminder of what true leadership and empathy look like, providing the people with the solace they desperately need in such dark times. But for many, the President’s actions tonight—celebrating while the city mourns—will be remembered as a grievous failure of leadership.
This stark contrast between public mourning and private celebrations is not unique to Somalia. Similar situations in other countries have provoked similar outrage, where leaders were perceived as indifferent to the plight of their people during times of tragedy. In 2017, for instance, Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto faced harsh criticism after it was revealed that he hosted a private birthday celebration at his residence just days after a powerful earthquake killed over 200 people in Mexico City. His actions were seen as insensitive to the suffering of the victims and further fueled the perception of a leader disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Similarly, in Lebanon, in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2020 Beirut explosion that killed over 200 people and injured thousands more, many of the country’s political elites were seen attending social events and engaging in celebrations. Their detachment from the national tragedy was met with fierce condemnation, with protestors taking to the streets, accusing the government of gross negligence and indifference to the pain of the nation.
These examples highlight a troubling trend where leaders prioritize personal or political matters over the urgent needs of their citizens during times of crisis. In Somalia, President Hassan’s actions have further deepened the growing discontent among the population, who already feel neglected by an administration that appears more focused on consolidating power than addressing the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges facing the country.
Amid the silence from Villa Somalia, former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed stood out as the only prominent figure from Somalia’s political elite to offer his condolences to the victims and their families. His timely message of compassion resonated deeply with the people of Mogadishu, providing a glimmer of solace in a time of despair. His actions sharply contrasted with those of the current administration, underscoring the leadership vacuum that many Somalis now feel exists within the federal government.
This unfolding tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of leadership during times of crisis. The lack of empathy and action from the current administration not only alienates the Somali people but also fuels a growing sense of resentment and disillusionment with those in power. As the people of Mogadishu continue to mourn, they are left questioning whether their leadership is truly in touch with the profound suffering of the nation or if it remains ensnared by personal priorities at the expense of national unity and healing.
Somalia, like Mexico and Lebanon before it, faces a crucial moment in its political history. The actions of its leaders during this time of grief may well determine the future course of the nation, as citizens increasingly demand a leadership that is responsive, empathetic, and committed to the well-being of all.
Abdullahi Ahmed Nor
Email: [email protected]
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