AMISOM condemns heinous attack at Mogadishu hotel

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou condemns in the strongest terms possible yesterday’s attack on a popular Mogadishu hotel.
The attackers first detonated a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) at the main gate of the hotel before fighting their way into the hotel. The assailants are said to have then stormed into the first, second and third floors of the hotel where rooms are located and held several people hostage.
Somalia government forces and those from AMISOM responded immediately and tried to rescue the hostages in an operation that went on throughout the night. Unfortunately the attackers killed some residents at the hotel including Somalia’s Federal Government’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, H.E. Yusuf Bari-Bari.
“I am saddened by the senseless killing of innocent people at the Maka Al Mukarama hotel by the assailants. I wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends of the victims of this heinous attack and to the government for the death of ambassador Bari-Bari who served his country with zeal and dedication. Our message to the perpetrators of this inhuman act is, that their action will not dampen our spirit for the common good of Somalia, but will further strengthen us to work even harder to defeat the enemy of peace and development, with the aim of rebuilding a stronger and stable Somalia,” Ambassador Sidikou said.