Security Council Press Statement on Somalia

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta (Egypt):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack of 30 July 2017 perpetrated by Al-Shabaab against the Ugandan contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Garyowein, Lower Shabelle in Somalia in which 12 soldiers were killed and seven were injured during a joint patrol with the Somali National Army.

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 Uganda.  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 and underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.

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 honoured the sacrifice and dedication of AMISOM troops to combating terrorism 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 peace, stability and development in Somalia.  They underlined that neither this nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination.