Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Mogadishu

16 Apr 2015

Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Mogadishu

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the attack by Al-Shabaab on 14 April at the Ministry of Higher Education in Mogadishu which killed Somali civilians, as well as members of the Somalia National Security Forces and one AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) soldier, and injured others. The members of the Security Council expressed their 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 swift response and courage of the Somali National Security Forces and the AMISOM troops. The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to all actors working towards more peace and stability in Somalia, including both UNSOM (United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia) and AMISOM.

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 that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with their responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

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 Somali authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law.

The members of the Security Council underlined that neither this, nor any other senseless act of terrorism in Somalia, would dent their resolve to support the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.