Statement on bombing at the Somali National Theatre in Mogadishu
PM: "I am deeply shocked by the sickening attack on the Somali National Theatre in Mogadishu"
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
I am deeply shocked by the sickening attack on the Somali National Theatre in Mogadishu today. I utterly condemn the action of these terrorists who have shown complete disregard for the lives of the Somali people and for their desire to bring back normal daily life in Mogadishu. And my thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have been killed or injured in this mindless violence.
At the London Conference on Somalia in February, the international community came together to back the efforts of the Somali people in building a new future for their country. So let us be absolutely clear today. Terrorists and violent extremists have no part in that future. They do not speak for the people of Somalia. And we will not allow their actions to destabilise the process of political reform through which ordinary Somalis are, for the first time, getting a real say in how their country is run.
This is obviously a very difficult moment for everyone involved with the Somali Olympics team. But I hope that with time, as they move beyond today’s tragic events, so they will unite their country and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives today by competing in the London Olympics. We will welcome them and stand with them in memory of their very sad loss.