The hotel attack comes after weeks of political tension ended in the country. A prominent politician, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, stepped down as president of South West state, as CGTN's Abdulaziz Billow reports.

Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden's resignation has ended weeks of speculation and uncertainty ahead of a much-anticipated vote later this month. The veteran politician has stepped down amid increased pressure from the federal government. Shortly before his announcement, the regional electoral commission also quit in unclear circumstances.

SHARIF HASSAN SHEIKH ADEN OUTGOING PRESIDENT, SOUTH WEST STATE "I hereby resign from my position as the president of South West regional state without force or coercion. I have handed over power to the speaker of the regional assembly and I urge MPs and ministers to work with him."

Aden's exit marks the end of a two-decade career, in which he served in various government posts -- including finance minister and speaker of parliament, before being elected regional president of South West State in 2014. He will not be running in the upcoming polls, which have attracted more than a-dozen candidates. One of them is a former al-Shabaab commander, who defected to the government last year.

ABDI MOHAMED SABRIYE SOMALI INTERIOR AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS MINISTER "My office will oversee the elections and continue to work with the incoming administration on peace-building and efforts to stabilise the region."

In light of the recent developments, clan elders, candidates and local legislators have called for the vote to be postponed. But Mogadishu insists the polls will go ahead, as scheduled, on the 17th of November.

ABDULAZIZ BILLOW MOGADISHU "Meanwhile, the international community is calling on Somali leaders to resolve the months-long dispute between the central government and federal states. With elections looming in most states, analysts have warned that the political stand-off threatens to reverse the gains made in recent months. AB, CGTN, MOG, SOM."