Somali President Escapes Assassination Attempt

Somalia’s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud escaped a suicide attack against him on September 12.

According to reports, the attack took place at a hotel in Mogadishu where Mohamud was attending a news conference. There were apparently two attackers; both bombs exploded but failed to kill Mohamud.

Mohamud took office after winning the first presidential vote in Somalia in decades. He has been emphasizing security and civil order and is hoping his presidency will mark the end of the relentless violence that has marred the country for the last two decades.

Although no one has claimed responsibility for the bombings, Al-Qaeda has issued a statement saying Mohamud is “traitor” and jihad will continue.