A car explosion in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killed at least eight people on Jan. 12, 2022. Mohamed Osman, a resident who was praying in a nearby mosque, recounts, “When I came out of the mosque, I saw several old houses collapsed, body parts on the street, hands, legs.” Somalia’s leaders struggle to settle a political situation, keeping them from focusing on the country’s weakening security. 

The bombing was blamed on the Qaeda-linked Al Shabab extremist group since they have been responsible for similar cases recently. The extremist group wants to overthrow the government and establish new policies that follow a strict interpretation of Islamic laws. They mostly target government officials, but sometimes they attack civilians as well.

A government spokesman, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, called the incident a cowardly suicide attack. On Twitter, he wrote, “Such acts of terrorism will not derail the peace and the ongoing development in the country. We must unite in the fight against terrorism.”

The country’s government has had to face drama and accusations against those who will not step down from their position. Their disagreements have interrupted their election system and people are taking sides, heightening tensions.

Meanwhile, Al Shabaab has taken advantage of the political infighting and frustration for the past two months, with this car bomb being their most recent attack. They have assassinated many officials and attacked election centers with the goal of sabotaging the election. 

Other political divisions involving other countries and territories have also distracted Somalia’s government from focusing on Al Shabab’s terrorist attacks. The country has tons of domestic and foreign issues to face.

On top of everything, some parts of Somalia are now facing their driest season in decades. Millions have to deal with food insecurity. With all the problems that Somalia’s government has to face, that gives Al Shabab room to further their attacks.