The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Nicholas Kay, has strongly condemned today’s attack on the Central Hotel in Mogadishu, which was claimed by Al-Shabaab.
The attack resulted in the death and injury of dozens of people, including senior members of the Somali Federal Government, said Mr. Kay, adding that many of those killed and wounded were gathered for Friday prayers.
“Such an indiscriminate attack against the Somali people is a cruel and despicable crime intended to rob Somalis of their hope for a better future,” he said. “Despite such inhuman atrocities, Somalis are successfully rebuilding their Government institutions and security forces after more than two decades of state failure and conflict.”
Mr. Kay, who is also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, said the United Nations in Somalia remained resolute in its support for the Somali people and would continue working to help Somalis realise their hopes and aspirations for a peaceful and stable future.
He also offered sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the attack, and to the people and Federal Government of Somalia.
