SRSG Keating condemns attack on Mogadishu Restaurant

PRESS STATEMENT 02/2016

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Michael Keating, condemns in the strongest possible terms last night’s attack on a popular Mogadishu restaurant that targeted Somali civilians, including members of a wedding party and a group celebrating a graduation ceremony. A spokesperson for the al-Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for this barbaric attack that killed at least 20 people. Among the confirmed dead are a pregnant mother and a small child.

“This latest atrocity by al-Shabaab is very deliberately intended to intimidate Somali civilians. Such outrageous actions must not undermine efforts to restore peace and stability to Somalia,” said SRSG Keating. “On behalf of the entire United Nations family in Somalia, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible act. We will do everything possible to ensure that al-Shabaab does not succeed in its desperate attempts to frustrate the hopes of the Somali people.”