Security Council Press Statement on Mogadishu

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein ( Jordan):

The members of the Security Council are appalled by yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Mogadishu, for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility and which have caused numerous deaths and injuries.  The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the people and the Government of the Republic of Somalia.  The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the efforts of the Somali security forces and AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) in responding to the attack.

The members of the Security Council underlined their resolve to continue to support efforts to bring greater peace and stability to Somalia.  They underlined that this, and other deplorable acts of terrorism, would not weaken their resolve to support the people of Somalia.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed 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 members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council recalled their recent decision to increase significantly the UN’s support to AMISOM and the Somali National Security Forces in order to redouble international efforts towards removing the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.  The members of the Council reiterated their strong resolve to continue to support these efforts in order to reduce the threat posed to both Somalis and the region by Al-Shabaab.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record