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UN envoy strongly condemns terrorist attack in Somali capital

Special Representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay.
AU/UN/IST/Ilyas Abukar
Special Representative for Somalia Nicholas Kay.

UN envoy strongly condemns terrorist attack in Somali capital

The top United Nations envoy in Somalia today deplored a terrorist attack in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, which resulted in numerous casualties.

“I am appalled by this act of savagery and condemn it in the strongest terms,” said the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, Nicholas Kay.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”

According to media reports, a suicide bomber and a vehicle loaded with explosives detonated at the site of a restaurant popular with Government workers and journalists. The restaurant has been targeted before. Some 15 people were killed.

“Such cruel and cowardly acts of terrorism serve to remind us that the people of Somalia desperately need peace,” Mr. Kay said. “Terrorism is a threat to Somalis, the people of the region and the world. It needs to be defeated militarily and politically.”

Mr. Kay added that the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which he heads, is ready to assist in efforts to combat terrorism and stands by the people of Somalia.

UNSOM, which began operations last month, is tasked by the Council with supporting the Horn of Africa nation as it seeks to build on hard-won gains achieved last year and emerge from over two decades of strife.