Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Somalia

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Raimonda Murmokaitė ( Lithuania):

The members of the Security Council are appalled by today’s terrorist attack in Somalia, for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.  The attack was targeted against the office of the President of the Federal Government of Somalia and has caused numerous deaths and injuries.  The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.  The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recover to all those injured in the attack.

The Members of the Security Council paid tribute to the brave response of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia] in responding to this appalling act.  The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that this and other acts of terrorism would not weaken their determination to support the peace and reconciliation process in 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 underlined their support to the President and Federal Government of Somalia and to all those working to bring a better future to the people of Somalia.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record