A Somali deputy national security minister has expressed disappointment over Wednesday’s suicide car bombing outside a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu.
At least 15 people were killed in the attack and dozens more wounded, including Somali parliament members. The militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility.
Abdihakim Egeh, Somalia’s deputy Interior National Security minister said the bombings will not prevent the security progress that he said is currently taking place in Mogadishu.
“First of all, on behalf of the government, I’d like to send our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in that cowardly act from yesterday in Mogadishu, and I’d also like to wish [a] speedy recovery to those who were injured in the act as well,” he said.
Lack of good governance has made Somalia almost ungovernable for decades. But Egeh said Somalis, especially those in capital Mogadishu, have started to rebuild their lives, thanks to relative security.
“After our government liberated Mogadishu, people are coming back to their houses; they are coming back to rebuild their destroyed businesses and houses, and, it’s really depressing to see something like this [Wednesday’s bombing],” Egeh said.
Egeh credits Somali security forces and African Union peacekeepers for their role in bring relative stability to Mogadishu.
“I can assure you that the streets of Mogadishu are becoming safer and safer every day, and I’d like to take this moment to thank our security forces for making this possible,” Egeh said.
Egeh said the Transitional Federal Government has reached out to al-Shabab, but the Islamist group has not responded in kind.
“Our doors are open to anyone who is willing to talk to us about bringing Somalia back to what it used to be,” Egeh said.