Suicide bombing by rebel group in Somalia killed a policeman and 15 civilians
MOGADISHU, Somalia (January 24, 2009)- Student World Assembly (SWA) is shocked to learn of a suicide bombing by a rebel group which killed a policeman and fifteen civilians. SWA members from The Somali Institute of Management and Administration for Business Administration and Accounting in Mogadishu have reported that University classes have been closed for three days due to the violent act. At Student World Assembly, our commitment to open societies and human rights opposes acts of wanton violence which are never acceptable, never excusable, and never effective in achieving a truly just and equitable society. True social change comes from networks of students and activists working together to change attitudes and positively impact their societies. SWA condemns the act of terrorism by the rebel group and call on all warring parties to accept the 2008 Djibouti Agreement between the Transitional Federal Government and the Islamist group, Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) and to work peacefully towards reconciliation.
The rebel group was targeting the African Union Mission Base at Maka Al-Mukarama Road which leads to the Presidential palace. The bomber drove up to an armored vehicle and set off his explosives as a public bus was passing. Mogadishu's Mayor said. "A government police officer suspected the car, which was driving at high speed, and opened fire. The suicide bomber then blew himself up." One of the dead was a police officer and the others were all civilians who were riding the bus. Fourteen others were wounded, he said. Three of the dead were women.
Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991, when clan-based warlords overthrew Dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. Officials in Somalia's crumbling government warned of a security vacuum after their Ethiopian allies withdrew their last soldiers in early January. The government now controls only the parliamentary seat of Baydhabo and a few city blocks in the capital. Last month, the president resigned after months of government infighting. The Somali parliament is due to choose his replacement on Monday in Djibouti, a small country northwest of Somali. Ugandan army spokesman Maj. Felix Kuraigye said 700 Ugandan troops headed for Somalia should be there by the end of the month if transport arrangements are finalized.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
