October 4, 2011
October 4, 2011
UN News Center
Augustine Mahiga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and the head of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), issued a statement voicing his deep sadness at the “senseless and cowardly” bombing.
“These actions are unacceptable. The murder of ordinary Somalis cannot be justified for any reason,” he said.
The Islamist militant group known as Al-Shabaab, whose fighters withdrew from Mogadishu in August, has reportedly claimed responsibility for today’s attack.
“Although the extremists have left the capital, it is very difficult to prevent these types of terrorist attacks, which we have consistently warned are likely to be on the increase,” Dr. Mahiga said.
The Special Representative also condemned other recent raids or attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab, including a raid on Dhusamareb in central Somalia last night and an attack on Dhobley, close to the border with Kenya.
He stressed the need to both strengthen Somalia’s national security forces and provide sufficient resources to support the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa nation (AMISOM).