We grieve with the UN family and condemn the horrific brutality of al Shabaab

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia today condemned in the strongest possible terms, the attack on a United Nations convoy in Garowe, Somalia.

Speaking from Aqaba, Jordan, where he and other members of the Federal
Government are attending a conference on eradicating terrorism in East Africa, the President said, “I am horrified at this brutal attack targeting the United Nations. I send my deepest sympathies to the families of those who were killed or injured this morning. Those involved will be in my prayers- remembered for their faithful work in support of a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mr Ban-Ki Moon, Mr Nicholas Kay, and the leaders of those countries whose citizens were involved.

“This attack is not just targeted at the United Nations, but in attacking UNICEF, al-Shabaab has also attacked Somali children. It is an attack against the future of our country and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

“UNICEF has been active in Somalia for many years, supporting us to improve the health of our children, educate our sons and daughters, ensuring that we put the foundations in place for our children to take their rightful place in creating a Somalia where they too will one day make a home for their own children.

“This attack confirms what I have always said, al-Shabaab is not interested in the future of Somalia; it is only interested in pushing its own extremist agenda for its own perverted purposes. It strikes out at innocent people, indiscriminately killing sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.

I, and the Federal Government, stand in solidarity with the United Nations family at this time. We grieve as they grieve. I assure the United Nations that an immediate investigation has begun, and we welcome their participation in tha investigation.

“I urge full cooperation with Puntland security forces and recognise their steadfast work in ridding Puntland of these terrorists. There can be no mistake, as the Somali National Army and our international partners bring back Somalia under the control of the Federal Government, al-Shabaab is lashing out; thrashing in its death throes. We must be alert and watchful and report any suspicious behaviour that we witness to law enforcement authorities and security agencies. If we want a land free of violence and death, we must work together to bring peace,” the President concluded.