Somali Government allocates Sh64.8m to support Liido Beach attack victims

In a late-night meeting on Tuesday by the Council of Ministers, the Somali Government pledged a $500,000 (Sh64,875,000) allocation to support victims of the Al Shabaab attack at Liido Beach in Mogadishu.

The attack, which took place last Friday, resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals and injured 140 others.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Bare pledged to donate his entire August salary to aid those affected by the attack. Additionally, other ministers agreed to contribute a portion of their August salaries to the same cause.

The Office of the Prime Minister announced this decision through their social media channels, saying the funds are intended to support those injured and assist in reconstructing the lives of the affected individuals.

"The funds are intended to support the injuries and reconstruction of the lives of people affected by that brutal attack which massacred innocent civilians," read part of the statement.

A view shows the deserted scene of an explosion that occurred while revellers were swimming at the Lido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia August 3, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS)

In response to the attack, the government said it is taking measures to enhance security nationwide. They urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to bolster efforts against militant activities.

Diplomatic interests

During the Tuesday night meeting, the Somali Council of Ministers also approved the appointment of 12 ambassadors and two Consul Generals.

The two Consul Generals appointed are Abdikarim Hirsi Abdille and Abdikarim Ahmed Mohamed.

The council however did not specify the countries where these officials will be posted.

"The Council of Ministers has tonight approved the appointment of ambassadors who will represent our country abroad to fulfil our diplomatic interests worldwide," read the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the Somali security forces captured Idris Mohamed Sheikh, a senior leader of the militant group Al-Shabaab, following a security operation in the central region of Galgadud on Tuesday.

The federal government reported that Idris, responsible for collecting bribes from civilians, was apprehended in the rural area of Marerguur.

Idris previously served as the group's leader in the Middle Shabelle region before government forces liberated the area several years ago.

He also operated in the Bay and Bakool regions and was a close associate of the Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye.