UN Somalia envoy condemns latest Mogadishu terrorist attack

UN Somalia envoy condemns latest terrorist attacks in Mogadishu

The top United Nations official in Somalia has condemned “in the strongest terms” a series of deadly terrorist attacks against an African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) base and two hotels in the country capital of Mogadishu which resulted in numerous casualties.

The attacks – committed yesterday by the Islamist extremist group Al-Shabaab – reportedly caused the death and injuries of civilians, members of the security forces, AMISOM troops and Government officials and come as the Muslim world celebrates its holy month of Ramadan.

“I condemn yesterday's terrorist attacks in Mogadishu in the strongest terms and am appalled by the complete disregard for the lives of innocent civilians shown by the attackers,” the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay. “An attack during Iftar prayers, a sacred time for families and communities to come together, is an assault on the beliefs of Muslims all over the world.”

In today's statement, Mr. Kay also commended the swift action taken by the Somali and African Union security forces who managed to ultimately repel the attacks and prevent further casualties.

“The United Nations continues to work actively with the Federal Government, AMISOM and international partners to build strong national security and government institutions to secure the country,” he added.

In a briefing of the Security Council in May, Mr. Kay told Security Council members that momentum had been regained on efforts to achieve political progress in the country, pointing to work by federal, regional and local leaders, and parliamentarians to build a State through dialogue and reconciliation, and top-level commitment to deliver Somalia's Vision 2016 plan.

At the same time, however, he conceded that there was “still a long way to go,” adding that with so much at stake between now and 2016, “we can expect Al-Shabaab to do everything it can to derail the political process.”

ENDS

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