There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

At least 12 civilians have been killed in a suicide attack targeting African Union troops in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the first serious assault by suspected Islamic extremists after the killing of al-Shabab’s top leader in a US air strike last week.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir today said African Union forces can maintain order in Darfur and United Nations forces are not needed.

WE WISH to express our grave concern about the plight of the people of Darfur.