Ban condemns deadly attack against police station in Somali town of Beledweyne

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the deadly attacks on Tuesday against a police station in Beledweyne, Somalia, which follow a number of similar attacks on the Somali people in recent weeks.

“These acts of terrorism against the Government and people of Somalia have caused tremendous suffering,” said a statement issued last night by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

The Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in Beledweyne, a town near the Ethiopian border, which resulted in at least 19 deaths.

“The Secretary-General expresses his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and his sympathies to those injured. He pays tribute to the forces, especially the police, who courageously repelled the attack,” said the statement.

“The Secretary-General is determined to support the Somali Government in preventing such attacks, and in keeping the country on the path to peace and security. He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the Federal Government of Somalia, its institutions and the Somali people.”

Somalia has been torn asunder by factional fighting since 1991 but has recently made progress towards stability. In 2011, Al-Shabaab insurgents retreated from Mogadishu and last year, new Government institutions emerged, as the country ended a transitional phase toward setting up a permanent, democratically-elected Government.

The UN is working to support the Somali Government and people in their quest for security and prosperity through its mission in the country (UNSOM), which was set up in June.