The East African bloc of IGAD said Monday that terror attacks by Al-Shabaab will not discourage Somalia from holding credible elections slated for September and October.

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) slammed the terrorist group for being responsible for the twin explosions on Sunday in the northern Somalia city of Galkayo that left at least 20 people dead and over 25 others injured.

"It is our belief that this atrocious terror attack will not discourage the Somali government and the Somali people from preparing themselves for general elections, a very much expected historic and highly significant political exercise," IGAD Executive Secretary Engineer Mahboub Maalim said in a statement received in Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab militants have claimed responsibility for the attack carried out in two vehicles laden with explosives that targeted a municipal government building near a crowded market.

Maalim said the East African bloc will remain engaged with Somalia government whose exemplary enthusiasm in rebuilding their country "is a ray of hope to all people who face the same challenges all over the world."

Source : XINHUA