PRESS RELEASE
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, condemns in the strongest terms possible the terrorist attack carried out today, 17 September 2009, on the Force Headquarters of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Mogadishu, and claimed by Al-shabaab.
At least two car bombs exploded at the Force Headquarters at about mid-day, killing a number of peacekeepers and wounding many others, in addition to damages to AMISOM equipment.
The Chairperson of the Commission presents his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as well as to their national Governments. He once again expresses his appreciation and that of the AU as a whole to AMISOM personnel for their courage and dedication. He pays tribute to the Governments of Burundi and Uganda for their unflinching commitment to the promotion of peace in Somalia.
This terrorist attack is further testimony of the continued threat posed by the elements opposed to peace and stability in Somalia and by their backers, within and outside Somalia, as well as of their readiness to do whatever they can to derail the current efforts and undermine the commendable progress that has been made over the past few months to bring about a lasting solution to the conflict in that country.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the determination of the AU to continue to do its utmost in support of the Somali people and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). The AU will continue its efforts to enhance AMISOM, in terms both of strength and mandate, to enable it to respond more effectively to the prevailing situation and to take appropriate actions against the criminal and terrorist elements who have no regard whatsoever for the interest of Somalia and for the value of human life.
The Chairperson of the Commission stresses the need for renewed efforts by the region, Africa and the international community as a whole, to provide increased support to the TFG and to AMISOM, to isolate and take effective sanctions against all spoilers, and to further the quest for peace and reconciliation in Somalia.