On 31 January 2023, Mahad Hassan Hussein, an employee of the Banadir Regional Administration (BRA), was killed at Ex-Control Afgooye in Mogadishu.
The late Mahad Hassan Hussein was a staff member of the Revenue Department of the Mogadishu Municipality, where he was responsible for the collection of various forms of government revenue. It is believed that his work in revenue collection was one of the reasons he was targeted by Al-Shabaab, which opposes the collection of revenues that support the government and contribute to strengthening the economy of Banadir Region.
Prior to his death, Mahad had reportedly received several threats from Al-Shabaab. He was warned that he would be killed if he continued carrying out his duties, which were viewed as contrary to the group’s objectives and ideology.
Family Account
The circumstances surrounding the incident and the concerns of the family were discussed with the media by Mahad’s younger brother, Abdiaziz Hassan Hussein, who is also a supervisor within the Revenue Department of the Mogadishu Municipality.
Mr. Abdiaziz stated that Mahad had informed him on several occasions about the direct threats he had received from Al-Shabaab because of his work.
Abdiaziz explained that Mahad’s death has caused significant concern and distress among the entire family. He further stated that the family had previously experienced a similar tragedy.
In 2019, the same group reportedly killed Mahad Hassan Hussein’s father, who was an officer serving in the local security forces in Mogadishu, particularly in areas supporting the municipal authorities’ revenue and tax-related operations.
Impact on the Family
According to Abdiaziz Hassan Hussein, the family believes that they have repeatedly been targeted because of their association with and cooperation with the Mogadishu municipal government.
He stated that the death of his brother, Mahad Hassan Hussein, has caused deep concern within the family and highlighted the risks faced by government employees involved in revenue collection and other public services.
Conclusion
The killing of Mahad Hassan Hussein highlights the security risks faced by employees of the Mogadishu Municipality and Banadir Regional Administration who perform public duties, particularly those involved in revenue collection.
The family maintains that Mahad had received direct threats before his death and that his work supporting government revenue collection was a significant factor behind the threats and subsequent attack. The reported killing of his father in 2019 further demonstrates the serious impact that such violence has had on the family.
Note: The allegations concerning Al-Shabaab’s responsibility and the motive for the killing should be independently verified through appropriate security, law-enforcement, or other credible sources before publication as confirmed facts
