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| Last Updated: Dec 15, 2011 - 11:05:44 AM |
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Ex-Somali leader condemns Mogadishu blast, accuse Al-Shabaab
5 Dec 5, 2009 - 2:04:45 PM
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The former President of Somalia Abdi Kassim Salat Hassan has strongly
condemned the Thursday’s gruesome suicide attack in Mogadishu hotel, which killed dozens including Somali ministers, Journalists and doctors.
A Suicide bomber disguised himself as a woman, detonated explosives in
the middle of a crowd who gathered at university graduation ceremony in Mogadishu’s Shamo Hotel, killing on the spot three ministers, two journalists and several graduates.
The ministers include Health Minister Qamar Aden Ali, Minister of culture and higher Education Pro. Ibrahim Hassan Adoow, Minister of higher Education Abdullahi Wayel,
“The doers of the evil act are Somali foes, who were keen on killing the country’s intellectuals,” said the former Somali leader while in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, sending his condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Hassan said the group behind the attack was same one who killed former
Somali security minister, adding that the act was foreign-masterminded with Ethiopia and US playing crucial role.
“First, I am holding responsible the same group that killed Somali security Minister Omar Aden Hashi. Second, is the Ethiopian and American agents who were specially deployed in the country,” he noted.
The former leader urged the Somalis to unite against the people who target the country’s elites.
Meanwhile, Somaliland officials including President Dahir Riyale Kahin, opposition groups and intellectuals have sent their condolences to all Somali community particularly Mogadishu residents for the horrible attack.
President Riyale called for the cooperation of all in combating the extremists who are threatening the security of the region.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, however, the suspicion has fall on Somali insurgent Al-Shabaab group, who have since denied it.
The blast, which claimed innocent lives, has attracted popular outrage in and outside the country.
A statement signed by the UN, the US, the EU and the Arab League said the attack would not deter the international community from continuing its support to the Somali government, urging for cooperation against the anti-government elements in Somalia.
Neighbouring Ethiopia has called for the international community to assist Somalia in overcome the current crisis.
“The international community is expected to take steps in ensuring that Somalia overcomes such attacks,” said a statement from Addis Ababa.
Kenya and Djibouti have also condemned the attack.
GAROWE ONLINE
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