Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Dlamini Zuma, has condemned the attack on United Nations compound in Mogadishu by Al-Shabab.
Eye witnesses said a suicide bomber blew up a car at the UN office entrance, while some gunmen penetrated and killed those inside.
A statement by the commission’s Directorate of Information and Communications quoted Zuma as saying: “I was shocked and saddened to learn about the attack on an institution that symbolises inclusion and goodwill of the international community towards the people of Somalia.
“I strongly condemn this act which is intended to undermine progress made by the Federal Government of Somalia in close collaboration with the African Union and its partners, particularly the United Nations.”
She said the AU would not be intimidated by the terrorists actions “which are not supported by the majority of the people and would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM).
According to her, the act reflects a disturbing trend by the terrorists group to create fear and chaos in Somalia.
Zuma said that targeting people and their places of work could not be tolerated and must stop.
She extended her condolence and that of the AU commission to the bereaved families and sympathised with all the people who were traumatised by the incident, the statement said.
“On June 3, 2013, the new UN Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM) was deployed to Mogadishu to continue the work of its predecessor, the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), with all partners to consolidate the stabilisation progress made and move the country forward.
“Somalia?s capital has seen relatively calm and secure since the Somali National Forces backed by AMISOM forces routed the al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group Al-Shabaab out of the capital city,” Zuma said in the statement.
The al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab had said it was behind the attack.
