A Dutch-Somali journalist has been killed in a two-car bomb attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms this. Journalist Abdullahi Jama was a well-known journalist in Somalia. He is said to have lived in the UK for a number of years after years in the Netherlands and Sweden. Jama is said to have been in Somalia to visit his mother.

At least 100 people were killed in Saturday’s attack, which was claimed by the terrorist group al-Shabaab. More than 300 people were injured. According to President Mohamud, many victims were seriously injured and the death toll is expected to continue rising in the coming days.

The Dutch-Somali journalist is not the only reporter to fall victim to the attack. Locally known journalist Mohammed Isse Koonaa of Universal Somali TV was also reported to have been killed. Reuters photographer Faisal Omar and Voice of America reporter Abdukadir Mohamed Abdulle were also injured.

On site after the first explosion

Colleagues of journalists and police officers say the journalists were rushing to the busy intersection when the first car bomb exploded. Shortly thereafter, the second car bomb went off. An ambulance that had been called in connection with the first explosion was also said to have been destroyed in the second explosion.

The Somali journalists’ union SJS condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. The union says Somali journalists are increasingly at risk because of their work and is calling on the federal government to take action. Colleague reporters are also called upon to exercise caution.

The intersection where the car bombs exploded, not far from the Ministry of Education, is usually bustling with activity. At the intersection is a large market selling food, clothing and the popular intoxicant khat. Five years ago, 500 people were killed in an attack there.

“Our people were massacred, including mothers with their children in their arms, fathers with medical problems, students studying here and businessmen who did their best to support their families,” said a dejected Prime Minister Mohamud after visiting the attack.

Among others, the United States has reiterated that it will support Somalia in its fight against terrorism, and the United Nations and the European Union have also broadly condemned the attack. The African Union has called on the international community to provide more support to Somalia in the fight against terrorism. The World Health Organization (WHO) has offered to help care for the many injured.