Former Prime Minister condemns Al-Shabaab attack on hotel in Beledweyne town

Former Somali Prime-Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon ( Sa'iid) strongly condemned the deadly attack by Al-Shabaab on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, Hiiraan region, which resulted in the deaths of six people, including civilians, and military officers.

In a post on his social media account on Tuesday, Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon (Sa'iid) expressed his condolences, saying, "First of all, I share the pain and sorrow with the relatives of those killed today by terrorists at the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne. May Allah have mercy on the deceased, may Allah grant patience and faith to those who were evacuated, and may God grant speedy recovery to the injured."

The former Prime Minister described Al-Shabaab as an enemy responsible for shedding the blood of innocent Muslims, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasized that such attacks demonstrate that terrorists do not value the lives of Muslim people.

The attack began with a car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen entering the hotel and engaging in intense clashes with security forces. The raid took place while politicians, security officials, and traditional elders were meeting to discuss plans for an offensive against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.

Prime Minister Shirdoon called on the leaders of the Federal Government, regional governments, and the Somali people to unite in the fight against terrorist groups and to remain vigilant against their ongoing threats.

Beledweyne, located about 335km (208 miles) north of Mogadishu, is a strategic location in Somalia's ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab.

Former Prime Minister Shirdoon is a Somali politician who is currently a Presidential candidate in the upcoming election that will be held in Somalia in May 2026. He previously held the office from 2012 to 2013.