Sweden is to contribute SEK 1.4 million to provide medical care for the people injured in the suicide bombing in Mogadishu on 3 December 2009.
"I was deeply shocked to hear about yet another terrorist attack in Somalia targeting civilians and government officials. The Swedish contribution is an expression of solidarity with those who are trying to promote peace, reconciliation and development in this war-torn country," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
The attack occurred in Mogadishu at a university graduation ceremony for medical students attended by hundreds of people. The attack killed more than twenty people, including several government ministers, journalists, students, teachers and other innocent people. More than fifty people were injured, and about 18 of these so seriously that they are in acute need of medical care that is not available in Somalia. The UN has undertaken to coordinate the international community's support to those affected.
The EU and the UN have both condemned the attack. The international community is continuing its efforts to support a peaceful solution to the conflict in Somalia within the framework of the Djibouti Process.
Contact
Peter Larsson
Press Secretary to Gunilla Carlsson
work +46 8 405 59 39
cell +46 70 283 95 97