Security Council Press Statement on Al-Shabaab Attack in Mogadishu

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Ramlan Bin Ibrahim (Malaysia):

The members of the Security Council condemn the attack on 24 June on a humanitarian convoy carrying diplomats from the United Arab Emirates in Mogadishu, perpetrated by Al-Shabaab, resulting in a number of casualties.  The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Governments of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates.  The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council condemned acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives, which endanger or take innocent lives and seriously impede the normal work of such representatives and officials.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to all actors working towards peace and stability in Somalia, including both the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

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 law, international humanitarian law and refugee law.

The members of the Security Council underlined that neither this, nor any other act of terrorism, would weaken their commitment to supporting the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.