Mogadishu, Somalia — A Somali elder and respected mediator, Sultan Said Abdisalam, has expressed deep sorrow and anger following the death of his close friend and colleague, Omar Abdullahi, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike earlier this week.
The incident, which occurred in a rural area of Lower Shabelle, has sparked outrage among local leaders and communities who say the strike targeted the wrong man.
“They say they fight terrorists. But they killed the man fighting to stop terror,” said the mourning friend.
His friend, he explained, had spent years mediating local disputes and encouraging young men to turn away from extremism.
“Omar was a man of peace, a bridge between clans, and a voice for reconciliation. His death is not just a loss for me—it’s a loss for Somalia,” Sultan Said said, his voice trembling with grief.
According to residents in the area, Abdullahi had been working with community elders to resolve tensions between rival clans when the drone strike hit a nearby vehicle. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has not yet confirmed the identities of those killed, stating only that the operation targeted al-Shabaab militants.
But Sultan Said insists there was a grave mistake.
“We demand answers from AFRICOM. If they truly want peace in Somalia, they must first learn who our people are. Killing mediators and peacemakers only strengthens those who thrive on chaos,” he said.
Local officials have called for an independent investigation, warning that such incidents risk undermining years of progress in building trust between communities and international partners.
Abdullahi’s funeral in his hometown drew hundreds of mourners—elders, youth, and local officials—many of whom described him as a man who carried no weapon but his words. For Sultan Said, the grief is personal and political.
“He believed dialogue could end this war. Now his voice is gone, and we are left to wonder who will listen to us next,” he said softly.
As tensions rise over the strike, Somalia’s fragile efforts toward peace face another test—one not from insurgents, but from the unintended consequences of those claiming to fight them.