United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga strongly condemns today’s attack on the Jazeera Hotel in
which President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was giving a press conference. The incident came as President Hassan Sheikh was meeting with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Professor Samuel
Ongeri in the presence of international media.
Initial reports indicate that three suicide bombers dressed in Somali uniform attempted to enter the Jazeera Hotel, near Kilometer 4 in Mogadishu. The insurgents were intercepted by security forces and were killed before they were able to enter the hotel. A number of Somali security personnel were injured in the attack and we understand that one AMISOM soldier was killed and three more wounded.
“This atrocious attack comes only two days after a milestone vote where the Somali Parliament overwhelmingly and transparently elected Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as President, giving to Somalia a renewed hope for a better future”, said SRSG Mahiga. “I am relieved that the President and the Kenyan Foreign Minister are unharmed and deeply saddened by the deplorable loss of life”.
SRSG Mahiga sends his condolences to the families of the victims and pays tribute to AMISOM and Somali security forces for their constant courage and determination in safeguarding the
political process.
“Somalia has achieved tremendous progress over the last few months. Such attempts to push the country back into chaos and violence will not deter the Somali people’s determination to move forward.”
This incident reinforces our collective resolve to safeguard the achievements of the Roadmap and to advance the Somali peace process to new heights.
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