“I condemn today’s terrible terrorist attack in Mogadishu in the strongest terms and am appalled by the complete disregard for the lives of innocent people shown by the attackers,” said Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay. 

 

He added, “An attack on the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education is an assault on Somalis’ brave efforts to build a brighter future for the youth of their nation.”

He stressed that the current situation was a difficult one for the people of Somalia and the wider region and he called for unity in the face of continuing terrorism, extending his deepest condolences to the Federal Government and the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack.

Kay reiterated the UN’s unfaltering commitment to fighting the scourge of terrorism and supporting the people and the Federal Government of Somalia to ensure security and stability.

Later, the Security Council strongly condemned the attack, which it said was carried out by Al-Shabaab, and expressed condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of Somalia.

Council members paid tribute to the response of the Somali National Security Forces and African Union Mission (AMISOM) troops, and reiterated their support to both UNSOM (UN Assistance Mission in Somalia) and AMISOM.

Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, they reaffirmed, stressing that all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of motivation.

Members also underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard.

In that regard, all States must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law.

“Neither this, nor any other senseless act of terrorism in Somalia, would dent their resolve to support the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia,” the Council said.

Photo: AU-UN IST/Stuart Price