African Union opens summit despite twin bombings

[July 19, 2010]  KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) -- African leaders are gathering in Uganda for the opening of a major African Union summit only a week after twin bombings killed 76 people during the World Cup final.

Sam Kutesa, Uganda's foreign minister, told delegates from 49 nations Monday that their arrival "shows that terrorists cannot defeat us."

He called on African states and the world at large to fight against terrorism.

Most African heads of state will be in Uganda between July 25 and 27. The summit will focus on peace and security, infrastructure, energy and food security.

The Somali militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the July 11 bombings in two locations in Uganda's capital, Kampala, during the World Cup final.

[Associated Press]

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