The Economist Reveals Changes in the Security of Somalia's Capital

A new report from The Economist indicates a significant decline in Al-Shabaab attacks in Mogadishu, with recorded attacks dropping from 144 to 5.

The international magazine The Economist, which last year described Somalia's state-building project as "collapsed" and warned that Mogadishu was at risk of falling into the hands of Al-Shabaab, has now released a new report recognizing the security progress in the capital. This new report, titled "Mogadishu no longer deserves its deadly reputation," shows a significant change in the magazine's perspective, with statistics indicating that Al-Shabaab attacks in Mogadishu have decreased to an unprecedented level.

This new report is important because it signifies a major shift in the perspective of the international magazine, confirming what Somalis have long claimed: that the capital is changing and experiencing security progress. The Economist's statistics show that Al-Shabaab attacks in the capital have decreased from 144 recorded attacks in the third quarter of 2022 to just 5 in the second quarter of 2026.

The decline in attacks is attributed to security measures including the expansion of CCTV cameras, electronic registration of vehicle inspections, and the increased presence of intelligence officers. New construction is rapidly underway in Mogadishu, with Dahab Tower, a 26-story building comprising apartments, a large store, a gym, and a mosque, expected to open this year.

The report begins with an incident that occurred in Mogadishu six years ago, recounting the story of Saakin Abdi, a resident who was out for a walk in central Mogadishu. The following night, the same location was hit by a suicide attack that killed seven civilians. This incident exemplifies the security situation in the capital at that time, as people in Mogadishu lived in fear that any place they visited could be the next target.

The security change is not only reflected in the number of attacks decreasing; it also touches on how people live in the city and how they feel about security. The Economist's assessment shows that Mogadishu today is different from how it was a few years ago. The decline in Al-Shabaab attacks, the revitalization of city activities, and the improving sense of security indicate that the capital is recovering from many years of fear and violence.

However, the most important message of the report is that Mogadishu is moving further away from its reputation as a city of many deaths, but maintaining the progress achieved and ensuring lasting security remains the biggest challenge facing Mogadishu.