Somalia: At least eight people were killed in an attack near the presidency

At least eight people were killed in the capital Somalia, Mogadishu, during a car bomb attack on Sebab jihadists targeting a busy checkpoint not far from the presidency.

The attack took place as head of state Mohamed Abdullahi Mohammed, also known as Pharmazo, and his prime minister have been embroiled in weeks of disputes over removals and appointments to security mechanisms.

The powerful explosion occurred shortly before 11:00 (local time and Greek time) at the intersection of Selgamp, where one of the main checkpoints leading to “Villa Somalia”, the presidential palace., about a kilometer from there.

Mukawai district police chief Ahmed Mudei spoke to the press about eight dead, “most of them civilians,” and seven wounded.

Eyewitnesses told the French Agency that several cars were waiting to be checked when the explosion occurred and that some of the victims were trapped inside their burning cars.

The car that was trapped with explosives was blown up “While there were several other vehicles (stopped) and people were passing by a nearby road”, explained Mohammed Hassan, an eyewitness.

Among the victims were Hibak Abukar Hassan, the prime minister’s adviser on women’s affairs and human rights., a government source said.

Shebab, a movement that swears allegiance to al Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Although he was expelled from Mogadishu in 2011, Shebab has been frequently attacked in the capital as part of its 2007 uprising in order to overthrow the vulnerable federal government, which is supported by the international community.

Prime Minister Mohamed Roble condemned the attack, paying tribute to the victims and especially to his colleague, “a dynamic young woman, hardworking and devoted.”

“We must work together in the fight against the ruthless terrorists who are killing our people”, added Mr. Roble, in open conflict in recent weeks with President Pharmazo.

The dispute between the two men is worrying as it calls into question the fragile process that is supposed to lead to the election of a new president, as well as because it focuses on the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISA), an institution that plays a central role in tackling it. Sebab.

The two leaders clash over the removal of former NISA chief Fahad Yassin, a close aide to the president, and then the security minister following the controversial investigation into the disappearance of a young agency agent, Ikran Talil.

The intelligence service accuses Shebab of denying any involvement. The family of the young woman accuses NISA of “disappearing” her.

On September 16, Farmazzo announced that he had decided to deprive his prime minister of his “executive power”, which the latter rejected.

The mediation efforts between the two men are fruitless, to the great concern of the international community.

The United States has called on the president and prime minister to resolve their differences “immediately and peacefully” so as not to further delay the election process.

The UN Security Council called for a “dialogue” and for “priority to be given to peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive elections”.

Farmajo, president since 2017, saw his term end on February 8 without being able to negotiate with leaders in various parts of Somalia to hold elections.

The announcement in mid-April that the two-year term had been extended sparked armed conflict in Mogadishu, raising fears that the country’s 1991 civil war would re-emerge.

Mr Roble, who was commissioned by the president to run in the election, has struck a deal that was originally set to take place on October 10.

But the process is already delayed. The election of the members of the lower house of parliament from the regions, the last stage before the election of the head of state based on the complicated, indirect electoral system in Somalia, is now expected to take place between October 1st and November 25th.