Mogadishu suicide attack widely deplored

MOGADISHU - The deadly twin suicide attack on an up-market restaurant in the Somali capital Thursday has been condemned by the government and the UN envoy to the war-torn country.

The attack by two suicide bombers on a restaurant popular among Somali journalists and government officials left 14 people dead and more than 20 injured.

Three journalists were killed while four others were injured in the blast, the second to hit Mogadishu since new Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud was elected on Sept 10.

The president strongly condemned the attack and vowed to deal with the perpetuators. Such "despicable acts" would not deter Somalians from the goal of peace, he said.

"This is worst crime in the eyes of God and the Somali people. This is a heinous crime aimed at exterminating the people of Somalia... The Somali people want peace and government and those carrying out these acts have no hope in this world and in the hereafter," he said on state radio.

Information minister Abdulkadir Hussein Mohamed also issued a denunciation, saying "We strongly condemn the attack of the innocent civilians today that terrorized citizens who were enjoying peacefully at a restaurant."

UN Somalia envoy Augustine Mahiga said he was "appalled".

"I strongly condemn this cowardly and senseless attack. These acts of terrorism cannot reverse the recent achievements that Somalia has witnessed. Such incidents can only reinforce the determination of the Somali people to reject violence and engage in peaceful resolution of conflict," he said late Thursday.

The UN envoy called on those responsible for the attack "to abandon practices that inflict enormous suffering on innocent civilians and show no respect for human life".

The UN Somalia office reiterated its support to the Somali people and expressed its determination to work closely with the new administration in order to support the war-ravaged country "on its course to peace and stability".

Somalia's journalist union also vehemently condemned "the barbaric attack", saying this year was the bloodiest so far, with 12 journalists and media workers killed.

Somalia is considered one of the world's most dangerous places for media to work in.