Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Nairobi

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President José Singer Weisinger (Dominican Republic):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack in Nairobi on 15 January 2019 which caused numerous deaths and injuries.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to the people and Government of Kenya.  The members of the Security Council wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to Kenya’s role in the fight against terrorism particularly in its role in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in the struggle 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.

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 Government of Kenya and all other 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 attacks.