EU, UN condemn market attack in Mogadishu

The European Union (EU) and the United Nations have condemned a car bombing that killed more than ten people in a crowded market in the restive Somalia's capital of Mogadishu on Saturday.

In separate statements, the EU said it will continue to invest in security as well as institutions to provide support for Somalis.

"The EU remains a staunch supporter of Somalia's development of peace and stability for the Somali people. We invest in security, in strong institutions and we provide support for ordinary Somalis to live a dignified life," the EU said in a statement received in Mogadishu on Monday.

According to the EU, the Horn of Africa nation, following decades of civil war and disarray, is reaching a moment of hope which must prevail.

"At this time, the Somali people are witnessing the election of their new leaders -- a major step in their country's political transition that should lead to increased stability and development," it said.

A large bomb blast in a Mogadishu vegetable market has left over ten innocent civilians, including many women killed and wounded in an act of senseless violence.

The midday attack on Saturday saw a man park a car laden with explosives at the entrance of an open air fruit and vegetable market .

The suspect later detonated it when the security personnel asked him to move the car away.

Waberi District Commissioner, Hussein Ahmed Ulusow told reporters on Saturday that the terrorist militants who targeted innocent civilians killed nine people.

"It is too early to explain the situation of the deadly terrorist attack, but we know that nine people including students were killed and 15 others including a government soldiers injured in the attack, the security forces are examining the blast scene," Ulusow said.

"The suspect attempted to escape with injuries but the security forces apprehended him and now he is in custody." Ulusow said.

Police Commissioner, Bishar Abshir Gedi said the police arrested the suspect who was behind the attack. Eyewitnesses and medical sources say that 20 people were killed and over 20 others injured in the attack," Gedi said.

No group has claimed responsibility of the latest attack in Mogadishu. But Al-Shabaab militants often carry out such attacks in the capital and other towns run by Somali and AU forces.

UN envoy for Somalia Michael Keating also strongly condemned the deadly attack on the market and called on security forces of Somalia to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Endit