In Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, the courageous efforts of bomb disposal experts like Mohamed Ahmed are critical in the ongoing battle against insurgent attacks. Clad in a heavy protective suit and helmet, Ahmed carefully approaches a truck where explosives, wired to a mobile phone, are suspected to be hidden. Thankfully, this time, the threat is only a dummy, part of a routine training exercise designed to prepare Somalia’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit for the real dangers they face.
Confronting the Daily Threat of Explosions
Somalia has been plagued by violence and bombings since 2007, with al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, frequently targeting both civilians and government forces. Recent attacks, such as the car bomb explosion that killed five people during a Euro 2024 soccer match in Mogadishu, underscore the ever-present danger. Also, these incidents highlight the crucial role played by the EOD unit in protecting the city’s residents from the devastating impact of these attacks.
Ahmed, a dedicated member of the police’s Explosive Ordnance Unit, acknowledges the fear that comes with his job. “We fear and feel like we are risking our lives,” he says. “But we work carefully together and consider that we’re saving the lives of our citizens.” This sense of duty drives Ahmed and his colleagues to confront these threats daily, knowing that their actions prevent countless tragedies.
A Legacy of Unexploded Ordnance
Beyond the immediate threat of bombs, Somalia’s civil war has left a deadly legacy in the form of an estimated one million unexploded mines and ordnance scattered across the country. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports that these remnants of war have killed or injured more than 1,700 people. The EOD unit’s mission extends to locating and neutralizing these hidden dangers, making Somalia’s landscapes safer for future generations.
The challenges are immense, but the EOD unit remains resolute. Bomb squad dog trainer Hussain Ahmed, who works alongside specially trained dogs to detect explosives, faces his own unique challenges. In Somalia, where dogs are often considered unclean in Islam, Hussain has encountered stigma for his work. “If they say we shall not shake hands or greet you, we are indifferent, without a grudge,” he says, highlighting the social hurdles he faces. Yet, he remains steadfast in his belief that the benefits of his work far outweigh the cultural perceptions. “Yes, there is impurity from dogs, but dogs prevent explosions that would kill thousands of Somalis, so they have their benefits.”
The Unseen Heroes of Somalia
As Somalia continues to grapple with the twin threats of insurgent violence and unexploded ordnance, the men and women of the EOD unit stand as unseen heroes. Their work, often conducted in the shadows and under intense pressure, saves lives and brings hope to a nation long accustomed to conflict. Despite the fear and the risks, these bomb disposal experts are driven by a profound sense of duty and the knowledge that their efforts are crucial to the safety and stability of Somalia.
The challenges ahead are daunting, but with dedicated individuals like Mohamed Ahmed and Hussain Ahmed leading the charge, Somalia’s fight against the threat of explosives continues with unwavering resolve.
Source: Reuters
