(For immediate release)
Mogadishu, 7 September, 2013-The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif has condemned today’s terrorist attack on the residents of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, saying it was an attempt by Al Qaeda affiliated extremists Mission to derail Somalia’s continuing recovery.
The attack, which targeted ordinary civilians frequenting the popular Village Market restaurant, killed at least 15 people. AMISOM units working with Somali security agencies immediately cordoned off the area and are searching the area for more attackers.
“AMISOM will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Somali people and support them as they rebuild their country,” said Amb Annadif. “We will not allow a violent minority to drag them back to the days of chaos and anarchy,” he added, noting that the attack comes at a time when Somalia continues to witness remarkable improvements in security, reconciliation efforts and in its economy.
He offered his condolences to the families and friends of those killed adding that the AMISOM hospital and doctors had offered to assist local medical facilities with specialized care for the injured.
Amb Annadif said the attack, which utilized a car bomb as well as a suicide bomber posing as a rescuer, underlined the urgent need to continue to build up the capacity of the Somali National Security Forces as well as AMISOM to better protect the Somali people.
“It is a sad reminder of the dangers we all face from terror groups and of the need to continue to confront and them and degrade their ability to sow chaos and destruction,” he said.
“AMISOM is continuing to train the Somali forces and police so they can cope with the security challenges but needs to be reinforced so it can confront the terrorists in their bases in the Somali countryside where such attacks are planned,” he said.
Recently, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, called on countries around the world to provide AMISOM with attack helicopters and armored troop carriers to take the fight to the extremists in the field.
A joint AU and UN team has also been in Somalia to assess AMISOM needs and is currently compiling its report.
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