A joint statement stated: “This deplorable attack once again demonstrates that the extremists will stop at nothing in their desperate attempt to seize power from the legitimate Government of Somalia by force. These extremists, both Somali and foreigners, failed in their recent attempted coup d’etat but are continuing their indiscriminate violence. They are a threat not only to the country, but to the IGAD region and the international community.”

 

The statement continued: “We urge the Government not to be deterred by the violent crimes of a small minority and to continue its efforts for peace and reconciliation through the Djibouti Process.

 

“The Somali people, both inside and outside the country, are yearning for peace and they must not be denied. A swift investigation is needed to identify the names and nationalities of the suicide bomber/s behind this assassination.”

 

“The AU, EU, IGAD, LAS and UN send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Minister Hashi and to the other victims of this cowardly suicide bombing, as well as to the Government and the people of Somalia.”

 

“We pledge our full support to the Government, particularly at this critical time, and call for all Somalis to rally behind all those who are working for peace and stability. We also call on the international community to put its full support behind Somalia’s legal and legitimate Government,” it concluded.