Somali diplomat to the United Nations in Geneva was among those killed , government says . The attack comes as Somalia is struggling with a growing Islamist insurgency and an al - Shabaab affiliate that has claimed responsibility for several attacks on civilians this year. Hotel is popular with lawmakers , journalists and business people .
Somali diplomat to the United Nations in Geneva was among those killed , government says . Witness : Attackers detonated car bomb , then shot people inside hotel . Hotel is popular with lawmakers , journalists and business people .