Tuesday May 20, 2025
Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali, widely known as Dr. Gaalib, served as the Director of Religious Affairs in Hirshabelle State before he was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Jowhar on May 19, 2025. (Photo courtesy of local sources)
Beledweyne (HOL) — Armed assailants shot and killed Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali, known as Dr. Gaalib, in Jowhar on Monday night, Somali authorities said, marking the latest targeted assassination of a senior regional official.
The attack occurred in the Hantiwadaag neighbourhood, a residential area in the administrative capital of Hirshabelle State, in Middle Shabelle. Dr. Gaalib was serving as Director of Religious Affairs for the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs at the time of his death.
Witnesses said the attackers fled the scene immediately after opening fire. No arrests have been made, and no group has claimed responsibility. Authorities have launched a manhunt and an investigation is ongoing.
Dr. Gaalib, a trained medical professional and respected community figure, had previously worked in the health sector before taking on his government role. In the days leading up to the shooting, he had been conducting awareness sessions in local schools and universities aimed at promoting civic engagement and resisting violent extremism.
Hirshabelle’s Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Ali Osman Ibrahim, also known as Ali Ciiley, expressed sorrow over the killing and extended condolences to the victim’s family and ministry staff.
“We are devastated by the loss of Dr. Gaalib, a committed public servant who worked tirelessly to uplift his community,” the minister said in a written statement. “I urge security forces to bring those responsible to justice without delay.”
Jowhar, the regional capital, has witnessed sporadic violence, with civil servants and intellectuals increasingly becoming targets. Local leaders have called for enhanced security measures to protect public officials.