Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia stood in solemn remembrance as the nation marked the anniversary of the October 14 terror attack—one of the darkest days in its history. Leading the commemoration was Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim, who paid heartfelt tribute to the victims and their families while reaffirming the country’s unshakeable resolve.
Speaking in memory of the lives lost during the 2017 Mogadishu bombing, Moallim acknowledged that the wounds of that day remain fresh for many. Families still mourn loved ones who never came home, and survivors continue to carry both visible and unseen scars. Yet amid the sorrow, he emphasized a powerful truth: Somalia’s spirit was never defeated.
“The cruelty of that day was meant to break us. But it only strengthened our unity. We will never forget our people, and we will never abandon our commitment to protect this nation,” Moallim said.
His message was one of remembrance and resilience. He praised first responders, community volunteers, and ordinary citizens who rushed to help in the aftermath of the bombing, calling them symbols of Somali strength and solidarity. He stressed that their courage serves as a constant reminder that even in darkness, humanity prevails.
The Commissioner pledged that Somalia’s institutions, particularly in disaster response and national security, continue to evolve to ensure citizens are better protected. He framed the anniversary not only as a day of mourning but as a renewed commitment to building a safer and more stable future.
“To honor those we lost, we must build the Somalia they deserved—a nation of peace, dignity, and opportunity,” he declared.
For many across the country, the commemoration is more than a ritual—it is a vow. Somalia remembers, Somalia mourns, but above all, Somalia endures.