ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly explosions perpetrated by al-Shabab at a military checkpoint in Mogadishu earlier Saturday.
An IGAD statement has quoted the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Mahboub Maalim, as saying, "We join the resilient people and the Federal Government of Somalia in condemning this horrendous act of terror, and send our sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded."
Describing the murder of civilians, soldiers and journalists in the blasts as distressing, the Executive Secretary said, "Their bravery and defense of libertarian values against the dark forces of extremism will be remembered for long and will continue to inspire a generation of young men and women."
"The strength and determination of the people of Somalia will eventually triumph over these heinous purveyors of evil."
IGAD has reaffirmed its continued commitment to standing with the people and government of Somali in their effort to combat terrorism through the existing regional and continental mechanisms.
In a statement later Saturday, the East African bloc said it follows closely the development in Somalia and "stands ready to support the ongoing regional election process that will lead to one man one vote by 2020."
