UN condemns ‘cowardly’ Mogadishu suicide attack

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack in which two suicide bombers set off explosions at a popular restaurant in the Somali capital on Thursday.

Augustine Mahiga, head of the UN political office for Somalia, said the attacks would only reinforce the resolve of the Somali people to “reject violence”.

“I strongly condemn this cowardly and senseless act,” she said. “These acts of terrorism cannot reverse the recent achievements that Somalia has witnessed – such incidents can only reinforce the determination of the Somali people to reject violence and engage in peaceful resolution of conflict.”

Initial reports say that two suicide bombers blew themselves up in the popular “Village” restaurant in Mogadishu, which is owned by Ahmed Jama.

Mr Jama said: “My relatives, whom I created jobs for, have perished. My customers have perished. All innocent people. I cannot count them, their dead bodies are before me.”

Three local journalists and an unkown number of police officers were among the dead.

Somalia is still dealing with the impact of the al-Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militant group, which has been pushed out of the capital, but still controls parts of Somalia.

Efforts from the government have led to an end in open-combat between Al Shabaab militants and government forces within Mogadishu. However, the group has been known to use roadside bombs, suicide attacks and grenades.

The UK government also condemned the attacks. Mark Simmonds, the Minister for Africa in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, said: “My thoughts are with the families of the victims and those injured.

“The perpetrators have demonstrated that they have no respect for the lives of ordinary Somalis. These attacks only strengthen our determination to continue supporting the Somali people as they seek to build a secure and stable future.”