UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns assassination of female parliamentarian

23 Jul 2014

UN Special Representative for Somalia condemns assassination of female parliamentarian

Mogadishu – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, condemned the assassination of Saado Ali Warsame, a female Member of the Somali Federal Parliament, and expressed his deep concern about the continued attacks targeting parliamentarians in the capital.

Ms Warsame and her driver were shot and killed as they travelled in a vehicle in Mogadishu today. In addition to being a parliamentarian, Ms Warsame was a well known singer whose loss will be felt across Somalia.

“I condemn the assassination of Saado Ali Warsame in the strongest terms possible. The role of Somali women in public life must be protected and respected by all,” SRSG Kay said.

“I call on the authorities to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people and their representatives as they work to realise their hope for a peaceful and stable future,” he added.

SRSG Kay offers his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms Warsame and her driver, as well as to the Federal Parliament of Somalia.