Qatar condemns suicide bomb blast in Somalia that killed senior journalist

Qatar foreign ministry expressed deep regret at the diplomatic rift with its neighbours [File: Reuters]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Qatar has become the latest country to condemn an Al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu which left a journalist dead and another one seriously wounded in the latest security incident within the country.

The explosion left a journalist attached to Radio Mogadishu dead, attracting condemnation from various government institutions. It's not clear why the attackers targeted the journalist but the militants have been attacking innocent civilians.

In a statement Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar's firm stance rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of motives and reasons. The Gulf nation has been supporting the federal government in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The ministry also emphasized its complete rejection of targeting journalists, media professionals, and freedom of opinion and expression. Journalists have borne the brunt of repeated attacks within the country.

The statement expressed the condolences of Qatar to the victims' families, and to the government and people of Somalia, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. This was, however, the first attack targeting journalists in as many months.

On Sunday, opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur raised questions over the silence of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on the murder of Radio Muqdisho director Abdiaziz Afrika in Mogadishu on Saturday night by an Al-Shabaab bomber who struck his vehicle outside a restaurant.

The attack comes at the time Somalia is weighing several options including agreeing to the plans to have a joint mission with the United Nations in the country. The African Union has endorsed the idea despite the fact that Somalia is still reluctant.

Al-Shabaab still remains a major threat in the country besides controlling large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia. The AU forces and the Somali National Army have managed to kick them out of certain strategic arrears.

GAROWE ONLINE