Explosions heard outside Villa Somalia after power transfer ceremony

Hiiraan Online
Thursday February 16, 2017

Mogadishu (HOL) - President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has taken the reigns of the presidency on Thursday after ceremony his predecessor, former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vacated Villa Somalia.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud lost his bid for reelection on February 8th after over 4 years in office

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A small ceremony was held to commemorate the event ahead of the official Presidential Inauguration scheduled for February 22.

Shortly after the ceremony, several explosions were heard near the Presidential compound. First reports indicate that it was mortar fire although Hiiraan Online cannot independently verify what caused the explosions.

An HOL reporter said that at least two young children were killed when a mortar struck their home. He added that the children's parents were seriously wounded in the same attack and have been transported to a local hospital.

Al Shabaab militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.

President Farmajo will now be in full control of the Presidential office and is expected to reside at Villa Somalia.

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