As a massive cleanup operation got underway in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, following the deadliest attack since an Islamist insurgency began in 2007, the country has also called on neighbouring countries to help with blood donations and humanitarian aid.
The African Union (UN) Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) says there are still victims trapped under the rubble.
More than 300 people were killed by twin bomb blasts that struck busy junctions in the heart of Mogadishu on Saturday.
“My people dying in that way and my country being destroyed in that way has a lot of negative impact on psychologically,” said Somalian MP Abdiaziz Abdilahi.
Despite this setback, Somalis believe their country is on track to recover from years of civil war.
“It’s time to trust and build Somali forces to enforce the local and security agencies that we believe will combat terrorism in Somalia in a better way. They did a good job. We appreciate their presence, but it’s not enough. I think it’s time to trust Somali forces that they take over and the only way we can do that is to remove the arms embargo on Somalia so we can equip and develop Somalian forces,” he added.
Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has declared three days of national mourning.
– By Nthakoana Ngatane
