Somali PM vows to bring those behind killing of MP

MOGADISHU, April 21 (Xinhua) — Somali government on Monday deplored the killing of a lawmaker in Mogadishu as “a cowardly attack” and vowed to bring to justice those behind the deadly bomb blast, an official statement said.

Isaq Mohamed Riino, member of the Somali federal parliament, was killed in the blast while another MP, Mohamed Ali, was seriously injured after the improved explosive device was fitted into the vehicle they were travelling in.

“This cowardly attack will not derail the progress made in Mogadishu and across Somalia. The security agencies will investigate this cowardly killing and ensure that those who carried out this attack face justice.” Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed said in a statement.

The Somali PM praised the deceased lawmakers as a “committed parliamentarian who worked tirelessly to serve the people of Somalia and help rebuild our country.”

The attack was claimed by the Al Qaeda-linked militant Al Shabaab group which has previously carried out similar attacks where bombs were hidden in vehicles of government officials.

This latest deadly explosion comes as a crucial meeting on improving security in Somalia is underway in the capital Mogadishu for the second day running.

Somali government officials vowed to tackle insecurity in Mogadishu which has lately been witnessing intermittent explosions and targeted killing of both civilians and government officials.

The extremist Al Shabaab group has been pushed out of several key areas in the south and centre of Somalia by Somali government forces and African Union peacekeeping troops known as AMISOM.

The Al Qaeda-linked militants vowed to launch guerilla attacks on Somali government and AMISOM targets.

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