Monday, April 15, 2013
The United Nations envoy for Somalia today condemned the deadly
attacks in the capital city, Mogadishu, linked to the Islamist armed
group Al-Shabaab, and reiterated the international community's support
for the Somali Government.
"I join the government and the people of Somalia in condemning these
senseless acts of terror," the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga, said in the
statement from the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS).
"My thoughts are with families and friends of those killed and injured," Mr. Mahiga added.
Initial reports indicate that many innocent civilians were killed
including women and at least one child, according to UNPOS. Many more
were injured in the blasts, which occurred in multiple locations,
including at the Regional Court House.
Media sources reported that the assault on the court house consisted
of a car bomb explosion and armed attackers who stormed the compound.
Witnesses said people rushed to exit the building, some by climbing down
ladders leaning against the court house walls.
The Al-Shabaab, an Islamist armed group reportedly linked to Al-Qaida, has claimed responsibility.
Mr. Mahiga was "shocked and outraged" by today's attacks, UNPOS said,
stressed that Somalia is making remarkable progress toward
stabilization and these great strides "will not be overshadowed by the
desperate acts of these cowardly terrorists."
"The international community will continue to support the Federal
government in their efforts to ensure a safe and secure Somalia for all
its citizens," Mr. Mahiga stressed.
Somalia marked a historic political watershed last August when it
swore-in the first formal parliament and ended a so-called "transition"
phase which had begun with the 2004 launch of a UN-backed interim
government. The previous functioning government ended in 1991 with the
overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.
The Secretary-General established UNPOS on 15 April 1995, to help
advance the cause of peace and reconciliation through contacts with
Somali leaders, civic organisations and the states and organisations
concerned.