Cape Town – South Africa on Friday conveyed its condolences to Somalia and condemned the terrorist attacks in Mogadishu late on Thursday night which left at least 20 people dead.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said: “On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, H.E President Jacob Zuma has conveyed a message of deepest condolences to H. E President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, the Federal Government and people of the Somalia, and most particularly to those injured and the families of the victims.”
The attack took place on Thursday evening at a restaurant in Lido Beach, Mogadishu, and resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians. Terrorist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.
Somali forces have since regained control of the area.
“South Africa stands firmly with the African Union (AU) and the rest of the international community in condemning these senseless attacks targeting innocent civilians and reiterates its stance that terrorism, in whatever form and from whichever quarter, cannot be condoned,” said DIRCO spokesperson Nelson Kgwete.
He added that South Africa remained committed to supporting Somalia through “capacity and institution-building projects”.
Furthermore, South Africa called on all those outside of the political process to renounce violence, terrorism, and join “in the peace-driven political processes of reconciliation to ensure the development and prosperity of Somalia”.
African News Agency
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