Six killed in Somalia bomb blasts following PM Barne's UN address

Attacks come after PM Barre addresses UNGA accusing Ethiopia of violating Somalia's territorial integrity

At least six people were killed and 10 others injured on Saturday in two separate bomb blasts in Somalia, just a day after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addressed the United Nations, accusing Ethiopia of violating Somalia's territorial integrity.

The first explosion occurred in Mogadishu’s Hamar Weyne district when a vehicle packed with explosives detonated near a restaurant in a busy area close to Somalia's National Theater.

Witnesses reported seeing at least three dead bodies, two of whom were women. “The explosion happened near Gel Doh restaurant, frequented by government staff and diaspora visitors,” said Mohamed Haji Nur, a witness.

The restaurant is popular for serving traditional Somali cuisine and is located about one kilometer from the president's office.

In a separate incident, a bomb planted in a livestock market in Jowhar, a city in the Middle Shabelle region, killed one person and injured three others.

The local police confirmed that the casualties were all civilians.

Although no group has claimed responsibility, the militant Islamist group al-Shabab is known for carrying out frequent bombings and attacks in Somalia, particularly in the capital, Mogadishu.

These attacks came just a day after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In his speech on Friday, Barre accused Ethiopia of actions that "flagrantly violate" Somalia's territorial integrity.

The prime minister’s comments refer to Ethiopia’s recent controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia that declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition.

The deal, struck in January, allows Ethiopia to lease 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for recognizing the self-declared state's autonomy.

Mogadishu has condemned the agreement, accusing Ethiopia of attempting to annex Somali territory. Barre expressed concern that Ethiopia's efforts to establish a naval base and commercial port in Somaliland undermine Somalia's sovereignty and could encourage separatist movements.

Barre warned that these actions might also embolden terrorist groups such as al-Shabab, which could exploit Ethiopia’s provocations to recruit and radicalize individuals.

"Ethiopia's aggressive maneuvers undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and embolden secessionist movements, which could threaten national unity," he said.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie responded at the same UN session, rejecting Somalia's accusations. He stated that the agreement with Somaliland was based on the existing political situation and aimed at fostering regional growth and stability.

“Ethiopia will not be deterred from its commitment to combating terrorism,” Atske-Selassie said, emphasizing Ethiopia’s support for Somalia's fight against al-Shabab.

Despite Barre's strong rhetoric, the Somali government continues to rely on Ethiopian troops, who have been part of an African Union mission fighting al-Shabab since 2007.

However, Barre hinted at the possibility of expelling Ethiopian forces and replacing them with Egyptian troops as tensions rise between the neighboring countries.

Experts warn that the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia could have broader implications for the Horn of Africa. Afyare Abdi Elmi, a professor of international affairs based in Mogadishu, noted that Somalia's recent military cooperation with Egypt has raised concerns in Addis Ababa.

Saturday’s explosions follow a string of high-profile al-Shabab attacks in recent months. In early August 2024, at least 32 people were killed in a suicide bombing and gun attack at Lido Beach in Mogadishu.

The attackers, some of whom were suicide bombers, targeted the popular seaside spot late on a Friday night when the beach was crowded with Somali families and tourists.

Over 60 people were injured in that attack, which al-Shabab later claimed responsibility for.

In July 2024, another deadly al-Shabab attack targeted the city of Baidoa, killing at least 10 civilians and injuring many others when a car bomb exploded near a busy market.

The attacks in Mogadishu and other major cities underscore the group’s continued ability to strike heavily populated areas despite government efforts to push them back.

“The unfolding events signal a crucial moment in the Horn of Africa, with the potential to reshape the region's geopolitical landscape,” added Somalia analyst Abdiqafar Abdi Wardhere.

As both nations continue to trade accusations, the threat of further instability looms large in a region already grappling with militant insurgencies and fragile political landscapes.