HARGEISA(Berberanews)–Somaliland is honoring the third anniversary of the memory of the 30 innocent citizens who lost their lives on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:30am. The terrorist organization Al-Shabaab has attacked Somaliland on this day with three coordinated suicide car-bombs that exploded at the Presidential Place, United Nation’s office, and at the Ethiopian Embassy in Hargeysa. This attack caused the death of 30 innocent lives and inflicted serious injuries on 48 others. We pray to Allah to bestow his mercy on the victims and give their family and friends the strength to deal with this difficult time to deal with the memory of losing loved ones.
Al-Shabaab attacked Somaliland to disrupt the democratic progress in Somaliland; in particularly they were opposed to the Voter Registration efforts that began in Somaliland the week of October 27th, 2008. Al-Shabaab attacked Somaliland every time there was an election in Somaliland and when the National Election Commission were conducting the Voter Registration in Somaliland. Al-Shabaab attacks were successful on October 29, 2008, but there were many more times that their attacks failed and Somaliland security forces foiled their attacks.
we will always remember these victims for sacrificing their lives; they have given their lives for the Freedom and the Democracy that we enjoy today. To celebrate their lives and to honor their memory, I call on Somaliland people to observe a moment of silence on October 29th for the victims, this day is a reminder for all of us that freedom and democracy are not free.
Dr. Mohamed Omar
Foreign Minister
Republic of Somaliland
