UN envoy condemns Al-Shabaab attack on Somali presidential palace

The top United Nations envoy in Somalia has condemned last night’s attack on the seat of the Federal Government in Mogadishu, the latest in a series of attacks by Al-Shabaab militants against the country’s political institutions.

“Political progress in this country is only possible through the unity of its political institutions, which is why they are being attacked by those determined to plunge Somalia back into turmoil,” said Nicholas Kay, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

“The United Nations will continue to assist the people and institutions of Somalia as they make progress towards stability and peace,” he added today, speaking from Villa Somalia – the presidential palace and the seat of the Government – after meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.

Mr. Kay commended the prompt action taken by the Somali and African Union security forces, who successfully dealt with the attack, as well as the Government’s swift action to learn lessons from the recent attacks and to take steps to improve the delivery of security services.

“We continue to work actively with the Federal Government, AMISOM [AU Mission in Somalia] and international partners to build strong national security institutions to secure the country,” he stated.

Last night’s attack on Villa Somalia comes after a failed attack against the country’s Parliament on 5 July.