Security Council Press Statement on Al-Shabaab Attack in Somalia

The following Security Council statement was issued today by Council President François Delattre (France):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on 25 June 2016 perpetrated by Al-Shabaab on the Nasa Hablod Hotel, in Mogadishu, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, including the death of Bur’i Mohamed Hamza, the Somali Minister for Environment Affairs and former Foreign Minister.

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 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 paid tribute to all Somali and international actors working to bring peace and stability in Somalia.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to support the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.  They underlined that neither this nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination.