Dubai: A UAE-based Somali expat was among at least 15 people killed in an attack on a hotel in Mogadishu on Saturday.
Fouad Omar Ameen, who was an American University of Sharjah (AUS) graduate working for Standard Chartered bank in the UAE.
Ameen, 29, had recently travelled to strife-torn Mogadishu as part of his resolve to build a better Somalia, his sister Sara Abu Bakr posted on her Facebook page on Sunday morning.
Abu Bakr could not be reached for an immediate comment.
Saturday’s attack by Al Shabab militants on the popular Naso-Hablod hotel involved a car bombing followed by gunfights and taking of hostages. Somalia’s environment minister Buri Mohammad Hamza was also killed in the attack.
By Sunday afternoon, the AUS Alumni Association sent an email to alumni saying: “It is with profound sorrow that we convey the sad news of the demise of alumnus Fouad Omar Ameen, BS Business Administration (2011).
“On behalf of AUS community we extend our sincere condolences to Fouad’s family members and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in these difficult moments.
“May his soul rest in peace and may Allah give strength to his family and friends to bear this loss.”
According to Hodan Nalayeh, founder of Integration TV, Somalia’s English-language television company, Ameen arrived in Mogadishu around three weeks ago “to create jobs for the country he loved”, she wrote on her Facebook page.
The post adds that he was born in Dubai, spoke five languages, and graduated from AUS School of Global Commerce and Finance.
Ameen’s sister described him as a person close to Allah who regularly attended the Fajr dawn prayer at the mosque.
He choose to leave the “‘conventional lifestyle’ to challenge yourself to build a ‘better’ Somalia. Some doubted you whilst some encouraged you, just like our Dad who flew to be with you to support you while you build your dream, but sadly there he was searching for your body amongst the many killed. May Allah make you strong for witnessing this dear Dad and may Allah bring you back home safely to us,” Abu Bakr wrote.
“Fouad you were always courageous, brave and determined… little did we know your time was getting closer.
“My brother today the world is praying for you… My tears have dried out Fouad, so I’m putting a smile on for you now and raising my hands higher to pray harder for you… I will always love you!”
