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 strongly condemn the attack on 25 December against the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Halane Base Camp, perpetrated by Al Shabaab, which has caused numerous deaths including of three AMISOM soldiers and a civilian contractor.  The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims, to AMISOM, and to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.  They deplored Al Shabaab’s actions against a base of AMISOM, which is working alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, and the Somali National Army, to protect the Somali people and to assist in the reconstruction and stabilization of Somalia.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the swift response of AMISOM and members of the Somali National Security Forces in responding to this attack.

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 reiterated their support to all actors supporting efforts towards more peace and stability in Somalia, including both UNSOM (United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia) and AMISOM.