Security Council Press Statement on Attack in Mogadishu, Somalia

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Matthew Rycroft (United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on 1 November 2015 perpetrated by Al-Shabaab against the Sahafi hotel in Mogadishu, 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 Somalia.  The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the swift response of the Somali National Army 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 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 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 reiterated their determination to support Somalia's transition to greater peace and stability.  They underlined that neither this, nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination.