Bishop analyzes Islamist terrorist attacks in Somalia
April 16, 2013
The recent terrorist attacks in Mogadishu that left 35 dead represent Al-Shabaab’s attempt to weaken Somalia’s new civil institutions, according to the city’s apostolic administrator.
The militant Islamist organization, which controls much of the country, targeted a Turkish humanitarian convoy because “the commitment shown by the Turkish authorities in supporting the new Somali state institutions evidently irritated the Shabaab,” said Bishop Giorgio Bertin.
A court building was likewise targeted because “the Shabaab were originally linked to the Islamic courts that had taken control of Mogadishu few years ago,” the bishop added. “The new court draws the sources of law not only by Sharia but also by the new constitution. Justice is one of the priorities of the new government institution born since August last year. The police, the judiciary, and the army are the three top priorities of every government to ensure minimum security. Hitting the court means hitting one of the main tools for the reconstruction of the state.”
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Further information:
- "Symbolic targets have been hit," said Mgr. Bertin (Fides)
- Terrorist attacks kill 35 in Somalia (Vatican Radio)
- Bishop sees hope for new government in Somalia (CWN, 4/12)
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