Somalia: President Fails to Visit War Zones in North Mogadishu

Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)

9 August 2011

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Mogadishu — Somalia's embattled president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Tuesday was unable to pay a fleeting visit to the battle-zones as heavy battle between Somali government forces and Al shabaab was going on in parts of Mogadishu, particularly Bondhere and Hodan districts.
At least 10 people were killed and more than 20 others injured during the fierce fighting that rocked Mogadishu, the capital of horn of African nation, according to local sources.


Witnesses confirmed most of the victims were civilians as all were reported taken to Mogadishu medical facilities.
Sheikh Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the president of the transitional government of Somalia dressed in the military uniform and flanked by more military convoy of the African Union troops AMISOM had tried to reach at the military bases that the government troops seized from Al-shabab on Tuesday morning, but sources confirmed the leader has failed to visit the Mogadishu frontlines.
Some of officials consulted the president, who dressed in military uniform, that it is unsafe to conduct the visit due to bitter gun battle continued there.
In press conference near the presidential palace, President Ahmed said that the government forces had the upper hand made victories over the fighting.