Somali Soldier Kills Rickshaw Operator in Mogadishu Shooting

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A Somali man, believed to be a member of the Somali National Army, shot and killed a rickshaw operator in the capital’s Dayniile district on Sunday night, local sources confirmed.

The victim, identified as Abdirisaq Abuukar Mohamud, was reportedly shot in the Barwaqo area of Dayniile. According to witnesses, the assailant, who was dressed in a military uniform, fled the scene after the shooting, firing sporadically as he escaped.

Relatives of the deceased have expressed outrage over the incident. A family member, Yusuf Absuge, said the soldier responsible is known, but has not yet been apprehended. Another soldier who was reportedly with the shooter has been arrested by authorities.

“The soldier, described as a coward, killed my brother Abdirisaq. He managed to escape, but we are determined that justice will be served,” said Yusuf Absuge, speaking to local media. "We will not bury my brother until the killer is arrested."

The tragedy has taken on added significance for the family. Yusuf revealed that Abdirisaq and his wife, Aa’isha Abdi, had been 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.

The shooting has drawn public attention as it marks one of the rare instances of government soldiers being involved in civilian deaths in Mogadishu, a city that has seen a reduction in such incidents in recent months due to increased security measures and demands for accountability. However, the killing of Abdirisaq has reignited concerns over the use of excessive force by military personnel.

Authorities have yet to make a public statement on the matter, but the family and local community continue to demand justice.

GAROWE ONLINE