Somali president marks Eid al-Fitr with troops in newly liberated Lower Shabelle town

Saturday March 21, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Marking Eid al-Fitr on Friday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud prayed alongside Somali Armed Forces units in Gendershe, the coastal Lower Shabelle town recently wrested back from al-Shabab.

He was accompanied by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) director, top cabinet members, the Somali National Army commander and the national police chief, sharing the holiday with frontline soldiers.

In remarks after the prayer, Hassan Sheikh said his government will move first to restore core services in Gendershe — notably health care and schools — so residents can rebuild after years under militant rule.

“When I saw the devastated town of Gendershe from above, I was very saddened,” he said. “I truly call on the people of Gendershe to return to their homes. The area was liberated by heroes.”

The trip signaled a push to cement recent battlefield gains against al-Shabab and to urge displaced families to return to towns brought back under state control.

He also tackled domestic critics, dismissing accusations that his administration is curbing dissent.

“You are free, people. There is no one to fear,” he said. “Express your views correctly, but complaints on social media will not do much good if they are not systematically reported.”

Addressing land disputes and urban planning, Hassan Sheikh cautioned against grabbing public property or obstructing roads, vowing that the state will apply the law.

“There will be no more occupied land. Roads will be built. Land in the public interest does not belong to you everyone must seek a legal place,” he said.

Eid al-Fitr, the festival that concludes Ramadan, was marked across Somalia and North Western State of Somalia with prayers and festivities, even as the nation contends with ongoing security operations, political frictions and humanitarian strain.