Somalia: UN ‘outraged’ by deadly terrorist car bomb attack in Mogadishu

The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General expressed outrage today over an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack in Mogadishu this morning that damaged a convoy of UN vehicles and killed and injured several Somali bystanders and security personnel.

“There can be no justification for terrorism or such attacks,” the UN chief said in a statement issued by his spokesman. The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the UN’s strong commitment to working with the people and Government of Somalia to help rebuild peace and prosperity for all Somalis.

In a statement to the press issued later in the day, the members of the Security Council strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The Council also reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, underlining the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of such reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. Underlining their support and gratitude to all UN staff in Somalia, they also reiterated that this or any other attack by Al Shabaab would not dent their resolve to support the people of Somalia

According to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), no staff were injured in the attack, which took place at approximately 9:40 am, and investigations into the bombing continue, with no group as yet claiming responsibility.

In other news from Somalia, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, welcomed the inauguration of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan as the head of the newly formed Interim South West Administration.