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Somalia and the African Union (AU) have condemned a terrorist attack that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Tuesday.
In separate statements, Somalia's Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, condemned the car bomb attack on the convoy as the president was traveling to the frontlines in central Somalia to shore up the fight against al-Shabab.
"An explosion targeted the convoy in the Hamar-Jajab district of Mogadishu while the president was en route to join our troops on the frontlines in Hirshabelle. The attack was thwarted, and the president safely arrived at his destination as planned," the ministry said in a statement issued Tuesday evening.
The statement said al-Shabab detonated an explosive device planted in a building on the side of the busy road, but the president was unharmed and later flew to the frontlines, according to the statement.
The ministry said innocent civilians were killed or injured in the attack, which occurred Tuesday morning.
The explosion destroyed some buildings and vehicles nearby, killing four people, including a journalist, according to reports.
Al-Shabab, which has been fighting to topple the internationally backed government, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the president's convoy was the target.
The government said al-Shabab attacks will not deter efforts to vanquish the militants in Somalia. It appealed for unity among Somalis and the support of international partners to secure lasting peace and stability for the country.
Youssouf, the AU leader, condemned the attack and vowed to help stabilize Somalia.
"This despicable act of terror, staged at a busy intersection in the capital, is yet another desperate attempt by al-Shabab to undermine the resolve of the Somali people and leadership," he said in a statement Tuesday evening.
The AU stands in full solidarity with the government and people of Somalia as they work to eliminate the menace of al-Shabab, Youssouf said.
"The growing public support for Somalia's security operations is a testament to the nation's collective will to reject extremism and secure a peaceful future," he said.
Youssouf called for sustained vigilance and continued regional and international cooperation to defeat terrorism and promote lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
The AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia remains committed to supporting the Somali authorities in their efforts to restore security and protect civilians, he said.
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