New bombings killed dozens of people and shook the sense of security in the Somalian capital.

Mogadishu had not had time to fully recover from the devastating bombing of two weeks ago, when several new explosions took place in the city centre. Dozens of people were killed and injured in last Saturday’s bombings.

On Monday, moving in the Somalian capital was impeded by a number of roadblocks. The fresh strikes are on everybody’s lips, because it has been a long time since strikes have taken place this close to the city centre and in such rapid succession.

“People in the city are in shock. Before the strike two weeks ago, many said that the sense of security in Mogadishu has improved and that the city has moved forward. Now they have had to take these words back,” says FCA Country Director Mika Jokivuori from Mogadishu.

One of those killed in last Saturday’s strikes was a close associate to FCA, interior minister of Southwest state, who had a key role in FCA’s local administration development project. Jokivuori last met the minister two weeks ago, after the first bombing that claimed over 300 lives.

“We held a moment of silence for the victims of the bombing, but talk soon turned to the future and to the development of Somalian local administration. His death is a great loss to us,” says Jokivuori.

FCA supports the construction of both central and local administration in Somalia. After decades of war and turmoil, local administration plays an important part.

“It is important for people to see how democracy works and how it affects their everyday life, and that administration is not just something distant in Mogadishu.”

The bombing two weeks ago also killed a relative of a local FCA employee, and people close to a few others were injured.

“Many employees send a text message when leaving the office, so that those at home know to wait for them. Many people’s sense of security has been shaken,” says Jokivuori.