Somalia and the AU condemned a car bomb attack on President Mohamud’s convoy, which targeted him in Mogadishu. The president was unharmed, but there were civilian casualties, including a journalist. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, and officials emphasized ongoing military operations. AU’s Youssouf called for unity and international cooperation in combating terrorism.
Somalia, along with the African Union (AU), has issued a strong condemnation of a recent terrorist attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy in Mogadishu. The incident, involving a car bomb, occurred as the president was en route to Hirshabelle to bolster military operations against the extremist group al-Shabab.
Somalia’s Ministry of Information reported that the attack happened in the Hamar-Jajab district, where an explosive device was detonated from a roadside structure as the president’s convoy passed. Fortunately, the president was unharmed, though several civilians, including a journalist, lost their lives or were injured in the blast.
The al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting it was aimed directly at the presidential convoy. In response, the Somali government reaffirmed its commitment to continuing military operations to eliminate the threat posed by this group, emphasizing the importance of national unity and international support for restoring peace.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf denounced the bombing as a “desperate attempt” by al-Shabab to destabilize Somalia’s leadership. He highlighted the increasing public backing for the government’s efforts against terrorism and reaffirmed the AU’s support to help stabilize Somalia.
Youssouf also urged for sustained regional and international collaboration to fight terrorism and achieve enduring peace in the Horn of Africa. The AU’s Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia expressed its commitment to assist Somali authorities in protecting civilians and maintaining security throughout the nation.
The terrorist attack on President Mohamud’s convoy underscores the ongoing challenge posed by al-Shabab in Somalia. The strong condemnation from both the Somali government and the AU signifies a united front against terrorism. Continuing military operations, combined with international support, remain vital to restoring stability and peace in the region. The commitment from the AU highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: themedialine.org
