Security Council, UN envoy ‘appalled’ at murder of Somali parliament member

The Security Council and the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) have condemned the killing today in Mogadishu of parliamentarian Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’.

Mr. Mohamud and a security officer were shot and killed as they travelled in a vehicle in Mogadishu this morning, according to UNSOM. A parliamentary official accompanying them was also injured and a second Member of Parliament escaped unharmed.

“I am appalled to learn of the murder of Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’ and condemn his brutal murder in the strongest terms,” Nicholas Kay, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNSOM, said in a statement.

Mr. Kay called on the authorities to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice as quickly as possible.

“We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people and their representatives as they work to realise their hope for a peaceful and stable future,” the envoy added.

In a statement issued to the press, the Security Council strongly condemned the killing, for which the Islamic insurgent group known as Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.

“The members of the Security Council are appalled that Al-Shabaab has deliberately targeted a member of the Somali Parliament, an institution which represents the legitimate hopes of the Somali people for a more democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous future,” said the statement.

Over the past few months, Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the murder of several parliamentarians as well as an attack on the Parliament itself while it was in session.