AU Special Representative condemns last night’s suicide attack

Mogadishu-October 13, 2014: The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou has strongly condemned the vehicle borne suicide attack on Sunday night in a Mogadishu coffee shop by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists which killed innocent civilians and wounded many others.

A car filled with explosives parked outside a coffee shop along Maka Al Mukaram road, Mogadishu’s busiest street, exploded as revelers were busy chatting and enjoying themselves.

“I am perturbed and saddened by the vicious and an unacceptable attack last night of unarmed civilians many of whom were youngsters enjoying life in their own city. Such acts can only unite the majority peace loving Somalis against a few crooked brainwashed individuals who have nothing to offer Somalia except death and destruction. May the souls of those who departed rest in peace and those who sustained injuries recover fast,” Ambassador Sidikou said.

The AU Special Representative commended the swift reaction of the Somalia Police Force and ordinary Somalis who within minutes of the attack quickly moved in to secure the area and help the victims by rushing survivors to nearest hospitals.

He said; “The brave action of the Somalia Police Force and ordinary persons who immediately rushed to the scene to help their wounded brothers has touched us all because they saved so many lives. This is the spirit that will build Somalia and overcome the vile character and enmity of those behind such atrocious attacks on Somalia and its civilians.”