Hiiraan Online
Thursday April 13, 2017
Somali government soldiers secure the scene after the attack at Dayah Hotel [Feisal Omar/Reuters]
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) in Somalia, Michael Keating has “strongly condemned" the recent spike in terrorist incidents in Somalia that have claimed the lives of dozens of people in recent days.
The UN estimates that a dozen attacks in ten days have killed 28 civilians and wounded another 31. The attacks were launched at restaurants, busy markets, and crowded minibusses.
“Attacks on civilians are unjustifiable. It is particularly upsetting that so many women and children have lost their lives. This is a perverse and inhumane way to make a political point and achieved nothing. It should stop immediately,” said SRSG Keating.
Since 2017, at least 337 people were either killed or injured in 87 separate IED attacks, the vast majority being civilians.
Last week, the Somali government declared war on Al-Shabaab and offered the group 60 days to surrender in return for rehabilitation and education.
The militant group has shrugged off the government’s declaration and dismissed Farmajo as a “puppet leader” and “infidel”. They have responded by stepping up the attacks in Mogadishu.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 57th anniversary of the Somali National Army (SNA) yesterday, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has vowed to completely destroy the militant insurgency group Al-Shabaab within two years.
"We confirm to the Somali people that we are prepared and within two years' period we will eradicate al-Shabab from all areas they are present in Somalia," the president said.
President Farmajo also urged Al-Shabaab leaders to engage in peace talks with the internationally backed Somali government.
Despite being dislodged from most major towns and cities, Al-Shabaab still controls large swaths of land in the Somali hinterland. The group regularly launches attacks against civilian, government and military installations.