Security Council Press Statement on Killing of Parliamentarian in Somalia

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Eugène-Richard Gasana ( Rwanda):

The members of the Security Council strongly condemn today’s assassination of Ahmed Mohamud Hayd, a Member of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia, for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.  The attack also claimed the life of the Member of Parliament’s bodyguard and caused further injuries.  The members of the Security Council extend their condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.  They also wished a swift recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council are appalled that Al-Shabaab has deliberately targeted a member of the Somali Parliament, an institution which represents the legitimate hopes of the Somali people for a more democratic,peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

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 their 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 willingness to impose measures against those whose behaviour threatens the peace, stability, or security of Somalia.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the federal Government of Somalia and all actors working for more peace, stability and prosperity in Somalia.  They further underlined that neither this nor any other such act of terrorism would diminish the determination of the members of the Security Council to stand by the people of Somalia.

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For information media • not an official record