The African Union has called on the international community to send weapons to the UN-backed Somali government to help it fight Islamist militants.
The AU envoy to Somalia made the plea in the wake of the suicide attacks in Mogadishu in which 17 AU peacekeepers were blown up by the al-Shabab group.
"If we go after Shabab, we'd destroy them in no time," said Nicolas Bwakira.
He said the attacks should not deter countries from keeping to their promises to bolster the AU force.
The force currently operates with 5,000 soldiers, instead of an intended 8,000. Nigeria and Ghana have promised troops, but so far these pledges remain unfulfilled.
The UN has also said it will take over the mission - at an unspecified date.
Arms embargo
Mr Bwakira told journalists in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, that the deadly attack has not demoralised the force, despite more threats from al-Shabab.
