Somalia / SRSG Mahiga condemns suicide attack in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 15, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine Mahiga has condemned in the strongest possible terms the cowardly suicide attack at the entrance of Villa Somalia, the seat of the Transitional Federal Government yesterday in Mogadishu.

“My most heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims and I send my wishes

for quick recovery to the wounded”, SRSG Mahiga said. Noting that Al-Shabaab has

claimed responsibility, the SRSG called on the insurgents to “cease immediately all

attacks that continue to cause extraordinary suffering to the civilian population in

complete disregard of the value of human life.”

In recent months, the people of Mogadishu have begun to see the dividends of security

and stability and have themselves played a vital role in identifying explosive objects and

foiling terrorist attempts. The SRSG urged them to keep a high level of alertness and

promised that “Such acts of terrorism will not derail the peace process.”

SRSG Mahiga also called on the TFG to provide assistance to the victims of terrorism

and stressed the importance of strengthening the Somali National Security Forces. “The

UN remains ready to continue its support to the TFG towards peace, stability and national

reconciliation,” he said.