AU Special Representative condemns attempts to derail peace

By African Union Commission (AUC)
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AU Special Representative condemns attempts to derail peace

MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 17, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra has condemned today's murder of a former Trade minister in Mogadishu by al Shabaab extremists.
Former Minister, Mohamed Abdinur Garweyne was killed and at least six others injured following a car bomb in front of the Bin Ali Hotel in the capital's Hamarweyne district.

“It is deplorable that before the beginning of Ramadhan foreign -led forces opposed to the peace process use cowardly and barbaric attacks, with no regard for the life of innocent Somalis, in a desperate attempt to derail Somalia's greatest hope for peace in decades,” said Ambassador Diarra.

“At this critical time, as the people of Somalia prepare to end the transition period and in taking ownership of their own destiny elect leaders, AMISOM will continue to do all it can to help the Somali security forces to reduce the threat of attacks in Mogadishu,” he added.
“We offer our condolences to the family of the bereaved and continue to pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he said.

He cautioned that though Mogadishu was experiencing relative peace, the risk of suicide attacks from terror groups still remained, as political efforts are made to bring lasting peace to Somalia. He asked civilians and leaders to be on their guard and take extra precautions.

He noted that AMISOM has been helping to build up the capabilities of the Somali Police Force who have managed to disrupt the majority of planned attacks in the city.