Speaking to Kaab TV, business owners at the beach say the once-bustling area has seen fewer visitors in recent days, impacting their income.

Liido Beach is one of the capital’s main recreational destinations, frequented by locals and members of the Somali diaspora.

It is home to a growing number of hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops that support local jobs and small businesses.

The downturn comes after both federal and regional authorities warned the public to avoid fishing or swimming in the ocean due to worsening weather conditions.

Residents living near the coast were also urged to remain on high alert.

Jubbaland authorities issued a public safety alert on May 10, advising: “The public is advised to stay indoors during the rain and to minimize vehicle movement.”

In Mogadishu, Kaab TV visited the usually lively Liido Beach—often filled with young revelers and booming nightlife. But now, it appears quieter, with several businesses reporting fewer customers.

“In the past two days, the beach was closed because it wasn’t safe for visitors. It has affected our business. You can understand how badly things have declined,” said Nimcaan Ahmed Muse, a small-scale business owner who has operated at the beach for two years.

Muse previously survived the deadly Al-Shabaab attack on Liido Beach in August 2024 that killed over 30 people.

Sahro Omar, who runs a tea stall near the beach, shared similar concerns. “Not many people are coming.

There’s even a new requirement now—swimmers must wear safety jackets,” she said, adding that recent drowning incidents have made people more cautious.

At least 20 people were recently rescued from drowning as rough waves pounded parts of the Indian Ocean.

The weather-related disruption comes as many businesses were still recovering from the effects of previous insecurity and attacks.

For now, those who depend on Liido Beach for their livelihood are hoping for calm seas—and a return of their customers.

The post Liido Beach Businesses Hit Hard by Extreme Weather and Cyclone Warnings appeared first on Kaab TV.

Visitors come from both within and outside the city, with the majority being young people eager to spend time by the seaside, despite occasional security risks.

On August 2, 2024, a terrorist bombing at Liido Beach killed at least 37 civilians and injured 247 others when an explosion tore through a popular beachside restaurant.

The attack was part of a series of assaults carried out by Al-Shabaab on hotels along the beach, where young people gather, particularly on weekends.

However, these attacks have not deterred the public from enjoying the beach.

Mohamed Codey, one of the youths relaxing at the shore, told Kaab TV that he enjoys the peaceful atmosphere of the beach and swimming in the ocean.

“I love coming to the beach all the time. The atmosphere is calm, and we just have fun,” he said.

Abdifatah Mahamud Aden, whom we met at the beach wearing sportswear featuring the blue Somali flag, said that spending time at the beach makes him appreciate the beauty and richness of Somalia’s coastline.

A Business Opportunity

“People come to the beach every day. We enjoy it. Women stay until 2:00 AM, and there are no security concerns. I tell people: appreciate your own beach! Many Somalis risk their lives migrating to Yemen, but this place is far more beautiful,” Abdifatah said.

Liido Beach is not just a place for relaxation—it also offers entertainment for young people, such as football matches played on the sand when the tide recedes.

Moreover, it has become an economic opportunity for many creative entrepreneurs, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Faadumo Ali Cilmi has built a small business at the beach, running a tea shop.

She also rents out life jackets to swimmers, although no dedicated lifeguards are available around the clock.

“I support my children through this business. I send them to school, and I have no complaints,” said Faadumo, who is sometimes assisted by her children when they return from school.

Similarly, Cali, a boat rental operator, said he continued working even after terrorist attacks occurred.

“Young people keep coming to us. It’s like a bus station. We rent boats for $2, $3, and so on. It’s a good market,” Cali said.

Liido Beach remains a cherished retreat for Mogadishu residents seeking a peaceful escape from daily hardships, despite occasionally being targeted by terrorist attacks.

The resilience of the people of Mogadishu clearly shows their refusal to allow extremist groups to deprive them of their right to a normal life, leisure, and joy.

The post Liido Beach: Terror Attacks Fail to Deter Mogadishu’s Resilient Visitors appeared first on Kaab TV.

The attack unfolded at the popular Pearl Beach Lido hotel, a renowned establishment frequented by locals and visitors alike.

According to a statement released by Somali police, nine deaths were confirmed, including three policemen who valiantly responded to the assault.

However, accounts from eyewitnesses and relatives of the victims presented conflicting information. Grieving families took to social media to express their condolences and shared the names of their loved ones who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the attack.

Tragically, Nasro Abdi Hassan, a young dentist from Afmadow who had arrived in Mogadishu for a visit, was among the casualties. Nasro’s friend, Abdihakin Digale, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am praying for you. Nasra Abdi Hassan is no more. She is one of the people who lost her life in the Pearl Beach Lido hotel attack in Mogadishu.”

As messages of condolences and grieving inundated social media platforms, anxious family members hurried to local hospitals in search of their loved ones who had either been injured or were still missing.

Outside Madina hospital, Abdullahi Mohamed Ali shared a relieved update, saying, “We just found my brother who was missing since last night. He sustained a slight leg injury, but thanks to God, he is now feeling well.”

Another survivor, Abdirahman Nur, recounted his harrowing experience, stating, “I am lucky to be safe. I jumped on the wall shortly after the first explosion hit the hotel entrance. It was a huge blast followed by two more and then gunfire. The attack was terrifying. Unfortunately, my younger sister was injured.”

According to the police statement, security forces successfully neutralized seven attackers belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked rebel group and rescued 84 civilians. Among those rescued were several children.

The assault occurred at the Pearl Beach hotel, a renowned upscale venue situated on Lido Beach, a vibrant area of Mogadishu that attracts people seeking leisure activities such as visiting coffee shops and ice cream parlors.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes in the wake of their assault on an African Union base in Bulo Marer last month, where they killed 54 Ugandan peacekeepers.

A crucial question in the aftermath of the Liido hotel attack

The attack at the Pearl Beach hotel has prompted concerns among the local population, who are seeking answers regarding the effectiveness of existing security measures in preventing such attacks.

Mogadishu residents are raising a crucial question in the aftermath of the recent al-Shabaab attack: How were the attackers able to reach Liido Beach despite the presence of multiple heavily fortified security checkpoints throughout the city?

Despite being driven out of Somalia’s major urban centers, the extremist group continues to exert influence over vast rural areas and carries out targeted attacks on both security forces and civilian targets, including within the capital city.

The post Al-Shabab siege at Mogadishu beachside hotel leaves at least 15 dead, dozens injured appeared first on Kaab TV.