In Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, thousands of locals participated in a rally against the terrorist organisation al-Shabaab.
The government has launched a military, financial, and intellectual campaign aimed at dismantling the Al-Shabaab, and Thursday’s march, the largest of its type against the militants in more than ten years, coincides with these efforts.
The city of Mogadishu’s local government organised the protest, which was held at the Yarisow soccer stadium with increased security inside and outside the building.
“You know the government has closed down a lot of militant-connected accounts in four banks and you will hear good news from us about the ongoing investigation of the comical impact on the militants’ operations,” Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.
As they flee the military pressure in other parts of the nation, Mohamud encouraged the citizens of Mogadishu to be “vigilant, reveal and disrupt terrorist agents hiding among the civilians.”
“Be careful of the strangers that rent your houses because they could be tomorrow’s suicide bombers or assassins. You should report them to the security agencies,” Mohamud warned.
The president of Somalia also warned people against paying extortion money requested by Insurgents in order to support terrorism.
“Who can tell me that al-Shabab will guarantee the safety of your children and your beloved ones once you give them money, fearing for your lives?” Mohamed asked.
The demonstrators, mainly women, children, and the youth, chanted slogans strongly condemning terrorism and extremism.
“Our main objective is to say enough is enough to al-Shabab, show solidarity for our soldiers, and in the meantime share the pain and loss with Somalis as they continue to frequently mourn the deaths of so many of their loved ones,” protester Safiya Mohamed Nur told newsmen.
“We are here to show bravery and pray to Allah that Somalis see the end of the callous actions committed by terrorists for years,” said another protester, Ahmed Mumin.