Hotel Attacks Cowardly, Somalia President

By Musalia Wycliffe.

The attack, which was carried out by suspected Al Shabaab militant at a Mogadishu hotel, left at least 11 people dead.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud termed the attack as a cowardly attack aimed at disrupting the peace building process.

The hotel, which has been a residential premise for government officials and civilians, was attacked by Al Shabaab fighters Friday evening.

“I am very sorry and shocked that terrorist groups have once again targeted innocent people, who were performing their Juma prayers at Central Hotel in Mogadishu,” said President Hassan.

“I send my condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in this terrible attack. I also pray for a quick recovery for those who were wounded.”

LAW AND ORDER

He has, however, reassured the citizenry that despite the loss of lives, the attack will not disrupt the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, saying that his government will continue to eliminate terrorist groups who oppose Somalia’s stability.

“I am sure this attack proves the hypocrisy of the terrorist group who claim to be acting in the name of religion, while carrying out acts that are completely un-Islamic.”

Our religion stands for peace. There is no single verse in our Qu'ran that allows killing innocent people, such as what happened today,” ädded the President.

He asked the National security forces, in collaboration with AMISOM and the people, to press on until stability, law and order are fully restored in Somalia.

The President also encouraged the public to continue their support to national security forces and organizations.

The Central Hotel in the heart of Mogadishu was hit by a two car bomb explosions, followed by heavy gunfire after attackers stormed into the building.

In January, three Somali nationals were killed when a suicide car bomber blew himself up at a hotel gate that was housing the advance party of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who visited the country days later.