Security Council Press Statement on Somalia
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Elbio Rosselli (Uruguay):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on 22 January 2016 perpetrated by Al-Shabaab in Mogadishu, Somalia, which has resulted in a number of deaths and injuries of innocent civilians going about their daily lives. 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 Federal Republic 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 response of the Somali security forces to these attacks.
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.
The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. The members of the Security Council stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.
The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
The members of the Security Council further stressed the need to take measures to prevent and suppress the financing of Al-Shabaab, and any other terrorist group in Somalia.
The members of the Security Council underscored their solidarity with the people and Government of Somalia at this difficult time. They reiterated their determination that no terrorist attack shall dampen the Security Council’s resolve to bring the peace and stability to Somalia that its people deserve, and look forward to elections in 2016 which will help reinforce the path towards stability.