FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2010

Statement Condemning AlShabaab’s Suicide Attack on Muna Hotel and Assault against Somali Civilians African Rights Monitor‐ARM condemns in the strongest possible terms the suicide attacks on Muna Hotel in Mogadishu and brutal assault against Somali civilians by the Al‐Shabaab militant forces. The recent offensive declared by Al‐Shabaab has resulted in the deaths and the displacement of civilians. This coldblooded murder of the civilians violates all norms of conduct in a conflict. The attacks are especially heinous as they came in the Holy Month of Ramadan.

It is apparent that Al‐Shabaab have no regard for the lives of the innocent Somalis as evidenced by their constant assault on the general public. We urge the international community, the Somali Diaspora, Somali Civil societies and the religious establishment to condemn the actions of Al‐Shabaa. We also urge the international community to deliver humanitarian aid to the suffering masses in the areas not controlled by Al‐Shabaab.

Lastly, ARM appeals to the Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM not to engage in retaliatory actions that exacerbates the suffering of the Mogadishu residents. In particular, ARM warns against the indiscriminate shelling of neighborhoods. This will not only violate the basic human rights of the Mogadishu residents but will also break the international human rights laws. ARM offers condolences to the victims of the Muna hotel suicide attacks and to the suffering Somali public.

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