MOGADISHU, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, condemned the twin bomb attacks which occurred in Mogadishu on Saturday morning.
In a statement, Francisco Madeira, special representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and head of AMISOM, said on Saturday night that the attacks by the terrorist group will not prevent ongoing efforts to secure Somalia.
These attacks by al-Shabab will not change the course of progress happening in Somalia, said Madeira.
The IGAD also condemned the deadly explosions perpetrated by al-Shabab at a military checkpoint in Mogadishu earlier Saturday.
An IGAD statement has quoted the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Mahboub Maalim, as saying, "We join the resilient people and the Federal Government of Somalia in condemning this horrendous act of terror, and send our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded."
IGAD has reaffirmed its continued commitment to standing with the people and government of Somali in their effort to combat terrorism through the existing regional and continental mechanisms.
In a statement released late on Saturday, the East African bloc said it follows closely the development in Somalia and "stands ready to support the ongoing regional election process that will lead to one man one vote by 2020."
Also on Saturday, Nicholas Haysom, UN secretary-general's special representative for Somalia, called on Somali authorities to spare no efforts in fighting the agents of violent extremism who bear responsibility for this heinous crime.
According to local officials, at least 15 people were killed when suicide car bombs exploded near Somali National Theater in the vicinity of the presidential palace.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the explosions. Among the fatalities was a prominent Somali journalist with the London-based Universal Television.
