Nairobi, 5 April 2012: A female suicide bomber detonated her suicide vest at the National Theatre yesterday in Mogadishu killing at least 10 innocent civilians and injuring many others. The attack occurred when the capital city was commemorating the first anniversary of the reopening of Somalia National Television (STV).

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Ambassador Boubacar Diarra condemned the attack which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Somalia.

“This is a barbaric act at a time when Somalis who have hope for the future of their country gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the reopening of their National television which took place at the National Theatre, an embodiment of their culture.” said the SRCC.

“Killing young children, women and men who represent the hope of Somalia will not be tolerated. I sympathize with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia for the loss of the president of the Somali Olympics Committee, Aden Yabarow Wiish and the president of Somali football Federation Said Mohammed Nur, two key personalities who played an important role in the promotion of sports in Somalia. I express my condolences to the families of the bereaved and I wish a quick recovery to the injured.” the SRCC added.

“The attack also injured several journalists who represent the voices of the Somali people. The terrorists’ efforts to influence freedom of expression will never succeed and despite these acts of terrorism, the Somali people will always overcome the challenges they face every day. AMISOM will continue to support them in their struggle to achieve peace.” said the SRCC.

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