Security Council, in Statement, Condemns 3 December Terrorist Attack in Somalia

Calling it a “criminal attack”, the Security Council this afternoon condemned “in the strongest terms” today’s terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, which killed and injured innocent civilians at a graduation ceremony for Somali medical students, resulting also in the deaths of the Ministers of Health, Higher Education and Education of the Somali Transitional Federal Government.

The 15-member body expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the attack, and to the Government and people of Somalia, in a statement read out by Michel Kafando (Burkina Faso), its President for December, and urged a thorough investigation and for the perpetrators to be brought swiftly to justice. 

It also reaffirmed its demand that all opposition groups end attacks immediately and that they put down their arms to join the reconciliation efforts. 

Through the statement, the Council reiterated its “full support” for the Djibouti Peace Process, which it said provided a framework for achieving a lasting, political solution.  It reaffirmed, as well, that Somalia’s long-term security rested with the effective development by the Transitional Federal Government of the National Security Force and the Somali Police Force, in the framework of the Djibouti Agreement and in line with a national security strategy.

The Council also called on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly to respect the security of civilians, humanitarian workers and personnel serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).  The Governments of Uganda and Burundi were singled out for appreciation for their commitment of troops to AMISOM, for which the Council reiterated its strong support.

The meeting began at 5:11 p.m. and ended at 5:17 p.m.

The full text of Presidential Statement S/PRST/2009/31 reads as follows:

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Mogadishu on 3 December at a graduation ceremony for Somali medical students at Banadir University, which resulted in the death of innocent civilians and the Somali Ministers of Health, Higher Education and Education.  This was a criminal attack on people dedicated to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous future for the people of Somalia.

“The Security Council expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those killed and to those injured in the attack, as well as to the Transitional Federal Government and the people of Somalia. 

“The Security Council urges that a thorough investigation be conducted and that the perpetrators of this attack be brought swiftly to justice.

“The Security Council underlines its determination to continue to support the people of Somalia in their quest for peace and reconciliation, and the Transitional Federal Government as the legitimate authority in Somalia, and reiterates its full support for the Djibouti Peace Process, which provides a framework for reaching a lasting political solution in Somalia.

“The Security Council reaffirms its demand that all opposition groups immediately end attacks, put down their arms, renounce violence and join reconciliation efforts.  The Council further calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular to respect the security of civilians, humanitarian workers and AMISOM personnel.

“The Security Council welcomes the work of AMISOM in supporting the casualties of the attack and their relatives. It reiterates its strong support for AMISOM and expresses its continued appreciation for the commitment of troops by the governments of Uganda and Burundi. 

“The Security Council reaffirms that Somalia's long-term security rests with the effective development by the TFG of the National Security Force and the Somali Police Force, in the framework of the Djibouti Agreement and in line with a national security strategy. The Council urges the international community to support the Somali security institutions, in coordination with AMISOM, including through training and equipment.”

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For information media • not an official record