In a statement released here, the spokesman for the IGAD Executive Secretary, Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, said the organization “strongly condemns the attack (…) which occurred when parliamentarians were meeting to discuss important issues.”

We wish a speedy recovery for the injured and stand in solidarity with the government and people of the nation in their struggle against those who undermine peace, the text adds.

On Monday, at least seven people were injured in the attack on the headquarters of the Somali Parliament, which was holding its second session after the swearing-in of new lawmakers on April 14, marking a step forward in the country’s acute political crisis.

According to reports, the two parliamentary chambers were discussing procedures about the definition of their presidents and vice-presidents, and among the wounded were the bodyguards of Abdirahman Abdishakur, leader of the opposition political party Wadajir and presidential candidate.

The jihadist organization Al Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack and the United Nations in Mogadishu condemned it with a statement in which it reaffirmed its support for the Somali people “in their efforts to complete the electoral process and their progress on national priorities.”

The renewal of the Somali Lower House, a step delayed for several reasons and essential to hold presidential elections in a nation mired in instability for at least three decades, was completed on April 14.

pgh/acl/raj