Somali nationals protest against terror group

By Magdalene Mukami

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) – Hundreds of Somali nationals on Thursday took to the streets in the capital Mogadishu, to condemn terror group al-Shabaab for its attacks.

The Somalia-based al-Qaeda affiliate terror group claimed responsibility for Dec. 28 car bombing that killed at least 81 people. It further claimed having targeted a Turkish convoy.

Holding placards, protesters condemned the attack and demanded strong action against the terror group. The main banner read: “Report al-Shabaab to the authorities, students are our future, Turks are our brothers, their blood is ours”.

Talking to Anadolu Agency, a 35-year old mother of two, Fowiso Hani, said that she was on the street to protest against the attack. “I am here to express solidarity with the Somali people and our Turkish brothers. We want the whole world to help us to fight al-Shabaab, they have no respect for Muslims, the Somali people or anyone,'' she said.

Hani, who lost a relative in the attack, pleaded the government to wipe out al-Shabaab completely. “We thank all the people who participated in the protest,'' she added.

Another protester, Amina Khadiija also said that the protest demonstrates anger against the activities of al-Shabaab.

“They (al-Shabaab) call our friends invaders. They spill our blood, they leave orphans and widows everywhere. We want the government to wipe out completely”.

Turkey was one of the first countries to reach out to Somalia after the attack. Turkish planes have been bringing medicines to the injured. They have flown dozens of injured Somali nationals who required immediate specialized treatment.