MOGADISHU, Somalia — A man believed to be a Somali National Army soldier shot and killed a rickshaw operator in Mogadishu’s Dayniile district on Sunday night before fleeing the scene, according to local witnesses and family members.
The victim was identified by relatives as Abdirisaq Abuukar Mohamud. He was shot in the Barwaqo area of Dayniile, witnesses said. The assailant, described as wearing a military uniform, escaped while firing sporadly as he fled.
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Family members accused the gunman of an unprovoked killing and said they know the soldier’s identity. “The soldier, described as a coward, killed my brother Abdirisaq. He managed to escape, but we are determined that justice will be served,” said Abdirisaq’s brother, Yusuf Absuge, speaking to local media. “We will not bury my brother until the killer is arrested.”
Authorities have not issued a public statement and the suspected shooter remained at large as of late Sunday, relatives said. Another soldier who was reportedly with the gunman at the time has been detained, according to the family.
The shooting has reignited public concern over misconduct by security personnel. Mogadishu has seen a reduction in such incidents in recent months amid heightened security measures and growing demands for accountability, residents say, but the killing of Abdirisaq has stirred anger and calls for swift action.
Yusuf said the loss has devastated the family because Abdirisaq and his wife, Aa’isha Abdi, were preparing to emigrate to the United States after winning a diversity visa lottery. “They were ready to leave for the U.S.—all they needed was an interview in Bangkok, Thailand,” he said.
Details about what precipitated the gunfire were not immediately available. The motive was unclear, and there was no confirmation from officials about the suspect’s unit or current duty status.
Relatives and neighbors gathered in Dayniile on Monday to protest the killing and press authorities to arrest the gunman. Community members described Abdirisaq as a hardworking breadwinner who operated his rickshaw to support his family.
The case underscores the challenge Somalia’s security forces face as they balance front-line duties against the need for civilian protection and discipline within the ranks. Rights advocates and community leaders have repeatedly urged consistent enforcement of military codes of conduct, transparent investigations and public reporting when incidents occur.
Police and military officials have not publicly commented on the shooting. Family members said they will continue to press for an arrest and court proceedings.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
