The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Maman Sidikou strongly condemns the attack on Somali Army recruits at their training camp at the old airport in Kismayo on Saturday, 22 August, 2015. Ambassador Sidikou has described the attack as a heinous act, meant to derail the government's efforts to build strong security institutions. He said the attack has yet again robbed Somalia of some of the country's most productive youths. "This barbaric act confirms that the aim of Al Shabaab is to destroy and not to build. I commisserate with the families of those killed and wounded. To Al Shabaab, I say, we will not relent. We will continue with the momentum to rebuild Somali National Army and other security institutions until the country becomes self reliant in that regard," said Ambassador Sidikou. A Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) was exploded in the compound where newly recruited soldiers are being trained, killing several of them and injuring others.
