France strongly condemns the murders of Hassan Yusuf Absuge, a Somali journalist and head of Radio Mantaa, an independent station, on September 21, and of the lawmaker, Mustaf Haji Mohamed, the following day.

We extend our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, as well as to the Somali authorities.

France denounces these persistent attempts by terrorist groups to destabilize the national reconciliation process in Somalia and reaffirms its attachment to the respect for fundamental freedoms.

We reaffirm our support for the Somali authorities in their fight against terrorism and want those responsible for these acts to be identified and brought to justice so that they can be held accountable for their acts.