President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Sunni jihadist group al-Shabaab of carrying out the attacks, which they admitted.
[12][13] After a visit to the affected area, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said: "Our people who were massacred ... included mothers with their children in their arms, fathers who had medical conditions, students who were sent to study, businessmen who were struggling with the lives of their families."
[14] On 1 November, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the educational ministry was an "enemy base" receiving support from non-Muslim nations.
"[15] The African Union condemned the attacks and stressed the "critical importance" of the "ongoing military offensive to further degrade al-Shabaab".
[18] Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International's Director for East and Southern Africa condemned the attack on civilians writing, "Al-Shabaab’s callous actions are crimes under international law and it is absolutely crucial that all those suspected of criminal responsibility for this crime face justice in fair trials...Intentionally targeting civilians in an armed conflict is a war crime and, as such, all states are permitted to exercise jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute.
Al-Shabaab must immediately stop carrying out attacks on civilians, and the Somali authorities must ensure that victims’ families are offered justice, truth and reparation.
[20] Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack and sent its highest sympathy to the families of the victims, the Somali people, and the government.
[10] Pakistan spokesperson Asim Iftikhar denounced the "cowardly" attack and showed solidarity with the people of Somalia[25] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the attacks, extended condolences to the families of the victims, and wished a "speedy recovery to those injured".
[27] The United States condemned the "cowardly twin bombings in Mogadishu" and said: "As al-Shabaab loses on the battlefield, it continues to attack innocent Somali citizens.