Somalia: UN condemns Al Shabaab attack against African Union mission base

United Nations officials have condemned today the attack perpetrated by Al Shabaab militants against an African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) base.

In a statement issued this afternoon by the UN spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned in the “strongest terms” the attack, which was perpetrated in the town of Leego.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to the Burundian peacekeepers who lost their lives helping to bring lasting peace to Somalia and conveys his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Burundi.”

The UN chief reaffirmed the commitment and resolve of the UN to continue to work with the African Union and AMISOM to support the people and Government of Somalia “on the path to peace.”

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, also condemned the attack, paying tribute to “brave peacekeepers,” who “sacrificed their lives in the ongoing efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to Somalia.”

“Our support for the people of Somalia, and our solidarity with the AMISOM, and Somali security forces in their efforts to defeat Al Shabaab and build peace and stability will not waver,” he added.