UN Special Representative's statement on attacks in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 21, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Augustine P. Mahiga is appalled by today's suicide bomb attacks on a popular restaurant-café in Mogadishu. Initial reports indicate that numerous people were killed and wounded including prominent members of the media community.

“I strongly condemn this cowardly and senseless attack. These acts of terrorism cannot reverse the recent achievements that Somalia has witnessed” SRSG Mahiga said. “Such incidents can only reinforce the determination of the Somali people to reject violence and engage in peaceful resolution of conflict.”

He further called on the perpetrators of this act to abandon practices that inflict enormous suffering on innocent civilians and show no respect for human life.

“This attack coming at a time when the people have resoundingly welcomed a popular process towards attaining more legitimate and representative institutions is an affront to the will of the Somali people and an attack on the return of normalcy to Somalia” SRSG Mahiga said. “We will not let the hard-won momentum towards stability be affected by such events.”

SRSG Mahiga expresses his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a rapid recovery to the injured.

“UNPOS reiterates its support to the Somali people and is determined to work closely with the new administration in order to support Somalia on its course to peace and stability” he added.