AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed on X social media dismay at the attack that targeted civilians and condemned in the strongest terms.
“My deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this cruel attack and in continued solidarity with the people and the federal government of Somalia in their fight against the scourge of terrorism,” the AU representative stressed.
For his part, IGAD executive secretary Workneh Gebeyu also rejected the attack and sent his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery for the wounded.
“We denounce this barbaric act of terror in the strongest terms. These cowardly attacks will not undermine the resolve of the Somali government, its resilient people or the wider region. Instead, it will strengthen our collective resolve to rebuild Somalia and eliminate the scourge of terrorism,” Gebeyehu was quoted as saying in a statement.
The African regional body reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to support the Somali government to ensure peace and stability in the region.
We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Somalia, whose exemplary dedication to rebuilding their nation serves as a beacon of hope for all those facing similar challenges around the world, it said.
At least 32 people were killed and 63 others wounded during a suicide bombing on the popular Somali beach late Friday afternoon, an act blamed by the extremist group Al Shabaab.
Security forces eliminated five of the attackers and another died after carrying out the suicide action, detonating explosives inside the facility, located in a tourist complex, frequented by government officials and businessmen.
According to a police report, civilians trapped in the resort were evacuated, while local television showed images of dead bodies and seriously wounded people on the sand.
Al Shabaab has been operating in Somalia as a terrorist organization since the 2006 extinction of the so-called Islamic Courts Union and joined the radical Al Qaeda group in 2012, news media in Mogadishu recalled.
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