MOGADISHU, Somalia, July 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, has condemned last night’s attack on Villa Somalia, the seat of the Federal Government in Mogadishu. This was the latest in a series of attacks by Al Shabaab against Somalia’s political institutions, and comes after a failed attack against Parliament on 5 July.
Speaking from Villa Somalia today, following meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, SRSG Kay said, “Political progress in this country is only possible through the unity of its political institutions, which is why they are being attacked by those determined to plunge Somalia back into turmoil. The United Nations will continue to assist the people and institutions of Somalia as they make progress towards stability and peace.
“I commend the prompt action taken by the Somali and African Union security forces, who successfully dealt with the attack. They need the active support and cooperation of the people of Mogadishu. I commend the Government’s swift action to learn lessons from the recent attacks and to take steps to improve the delivery of security services.
“We continue to work actively with the Federal Government, AMISOM and international partners to build strong national security institutions to secure the country,” he added.
SRSG Kay extends his deepest sympathies to those affected, and to their friends and families.
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