Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Mogadishu

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mahamat Zene Cherif (Chad):

The members of the Security Council are outraged by today’s terrorist attack in Mogadishu, which has caused numerous deaths and injuries and damaged a United Nations convoy, for which Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.  The members of the Security Council condemned the attack in the strongest terms.  They expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.  The members of the Security Council also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

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 relevant regional 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 and gratitude to all UN staff working under difficult circumstances to bring peace and stability to Somalia.  The members of the Security Council reiterated that this or any other attack by Al-Shabaab would not dent their resolve to support the people of Somalia.