Security Council Press Statement on Al-Shabaab Attack

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Vitaly Churkin (Russian Federation):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on 1 September 2015 perpetrated by Al-Shabaab against an AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) base in Janaale District, Somalia, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.

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 Government of the Republic of Uganda.  The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council underlined their gratitude to AMISOM and its troop-contributing countries for their bravery and sacrifices in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

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 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 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 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.