The attack comes amid a new offensive by the Somali government against the terror group, which controls large parts of central and southern Somalia.

Several people are killed in a suicide car bombing in Mogadishu, just days after Somalia's divided leadership agrees on a timetable for long-delayed elections. Also, supporters of a Zimbabwean freelance journalist charged with getting fake accreditation to help colleagues from the New York Times enter the country say he's being set up. Jeffrey Moyo pleads not guilty as his trial begins. And Mali's 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations win over Tunisia is overshadowed by a final whistle controversy. The referee calls time minutes early and the Tunisians refuse to return to the pitch.

Several people were killed as a huge blast went off on a road near the main international airport in the Somali capital. The al-Shabab extremist group has claimed responsibility.

A car bomb exploded on a road leading to the airport in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, killing at least eight people. Abdikadir Abdirahman, director of Aamin Ambulance service, put the death toll at eight.

A massive real estate development is changing the landscape on the outskirts of Mogadishu. The Daru Salam project encourages the Somali diaspora to invest in the country. The developments feature modern housing, leisure and security infrastructure.

Mogadishu residents have started to flee from their homes after military forces, who are against Somalia's president’s term extension, took over new positions along Maka al Mukarrama, a key road that is often used by the government officials. Residents say they fear armed clashes will renew in the city.

Sporadic clashes broke out in the Somalian capital as tensions continue after embattled President Mohamed extended his mandate last week sparking a political crisis.

Police suspect a suicide bomber blew up a car outside a popular restaurant in the capital city. Victims were still reportedly being pulled from the rubble through the evening.

At least nine people were killed when gunmen stormed the Hotel Afrik. The attack began in the evening with a car bomb blast at the building's entrance, and ended after a gun battle that lasted more than eight hours.

Women's gyms are a rarity in Somalia. A woman leading a gym is even rarer. But that's exactly what Aisha Muhyadin is doing — keeping women fit, building self-confidence and maintaining a thriving business.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Monday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Monday⁣⁣⁣. ⁣⁣

DR Congo and Madagascar mark six decades of independence from former colonial powers. The legacy of the damaging years of European colonialism continues to weigh heavily on the development of the African nations. Also, Benin commemorates those in its history who passed through its cities as they were sold into slavery. And Somalia celebrates its 60th year of independence from Italy by reopening long-closed cultural sites like its national theatre in Mogadishu.