South African Government
Press release
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The South African Government is deeply shocked at the violent attacks
that took place on Sunday, 14 April 2013, in the Somali capital of
Mogadishu, resulting in the deaths of more than 34 civilians and the
injury of 58.
South Africa condemns these abhorrent acts of terror, for which there
can be no justification. It is deeply despairing that the attacks
occurred just as Somalia is beginning to show clear signs of a return to
normalcy following the 22-year long conflict.
The first attack targeted the newly formed Magistrate's court in
Mogadishu, in which nine attackers, adorned in uniform and posing as
government officials, detonated explosive vests, while others opened
gunfire on civilians, leaving 29 dead. A second attack followed shortly
thereafter, targeting a Turkish aid convoy that is in Somalia to help
the Somali population, this attack killed 5 people.
The bombings come a week after international warnings of imminent
attacks by extremist group Al-Shabaab in different parts of Somalia. The
Government and people of South Africa offer sincere condolences to the
Government and people of Somalia, as well as to the families and loved
ones of the deceased.
The South African Government calls on all armed groups, particularly
Al-Shabaab, to renounce violence and engage the legitimate Government of
President Hassan Mohamoud in a constructive manner towards peace and
reconciliation, with a