UK opens compensation for victims of Liido Beach terror attack
Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday August 17, 2024
Residents carry the body of a victim following a deadly terrorist attack at Lido Beach, Mogadishu. The attack, claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab, left dozens dead and injured. REUTERS/Feisal Omar
Mogadishu (HOL) — Victims and families affected by the August 2 al-Shabaab terrorist attack at Liido Beach in Mogadishu, which left close to 40 dead and over 200 injured, are now eligible for compensation under the UK’s Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent Somali history, has drawn international condemnation and exposed critical security lapses within the Somali government.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officially designated the Liido Beach attack as an act of terrorism, allowing affected British, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, as well as members of the UK armed forces, to seek compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The application process is available on GOV.UK and does not require paid legal representation. Free independent advice is accessible through various charitable organizations.
The attack has led to the arrest of several Somali army officers who were on duty at the time, highlighting severe security failures. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre described the incident as a “barbaric atrocity” that goes against Somali cultural and religious values. He emphasized the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable while calling for unified support for the victims.
Following the attack, government-organized protests erupted in Mogadishu, with hundreds of Somalis defying Al-Shabaab’s terror campaign by gathering at Liido Beach.
The attack also revealed critical blood shortages in Mogadishu’s hospitals, leading to urgent public appeals for donations. The Somali government has acknowledged the need for a national blood bank to better respond to such emergencies.
International bodies, including the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), have condemned the attack, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s fight against terrorism. The Somali government has urged UN member states and neighbouring countries to adhere strictly to the arms embargo on al-Shabaab, warning that the illegal flow of arms into Somalia poses a significant threat to regional stability.
The Somali Council of Ministers has allocated a half-million-dollar fund to assist in the medical treatment and reconstruction of the lives of those impacted by the attack. Victims and their families are encouraged to apply for compensation through CICA for further assistance.
If you need help applying you can call CICA on 0300 003 3601 (+44 (0)203 684 2517 if outside the UK). The helpline is open 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday.