UN, African Union condemn Mogadishu terror attack, urge public vigilance

Members of the International Community led by UNSOS and AMISOM chiefs observe a moment of silence during a ceremony to remember the victims and families of the October 14 terror attack held in Mogadishu on October 20, 2017. AMISOM Photo / Ilyas Ahmed

The United Nations and the African Union have condemned the October 14 terror attack in Mogadishu and affirmed commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Somalia.

UN and AMISOM envoys in Somalia called for public vigilance and information sharing with the authorities to avert any future attacks.

Head of Amisom Ambassador Francisco Madeira called for unity among Somalis and support for security agencies. ” “On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the entire AMISOM family and my own behalf, I wish to appeal to the Somali population to remain united and provide the government and its security agencies with information that will help bring to book the perpetrators of this barbaric incident that took many lives and destroyed property,” said Madeira.

Speaking Friday in an event to mourn the victims of the attack, Madeira said the attackers planned and executed the attack in the midst of the population calling on the public to share information with the security forces.

Said Madeira, “The individuals who planned and executed this attack live in the middle of the population and the explosives that were used were assembled in the midst of a habitational area and transported via the population; hence some of us should have the information that is necessary to stop these people. We must provide this information to the government.”

The Head of United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Hubert Price, condemned the attack and reiterated the United Nations continued support to the Federal Government and the people of Somalia.

“The United Nations family strongly condemns the carnage, the continued loss of life and destruction of property by terrorists here in Somalia. We reiterate our commitment to continue to stand with the people and government of Somalia and to support all efforts towards ensuring the safety and security of the Somali people,” said Price.

The UN also mourned one of its staffer, Faiza Sheikh Mohamud who was killed in the attack. Faiza worked with the UNDP.

The Minister of Transport, Mohamed Abdullahi Salad, echoed Mr. Price’s sentiments saying the attack by Al-Shabaab will not break the resolve of the Somali people in their quest for peace and security, but make them stronger and more united.

“We are here to condole with each other and to help the victims of the bomb attack to the best of our ability,” Mr. Salad explained.