UN Special Representative for Somalia Condemns Attack on Central Hotel in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, 20 February 2015 – The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia (SRSG), Nicholas Kay, condemns, in the strongest terms, today’s attack on the Central Hotel in Mogadishu that resulted in the death and injury of dozens of people, including senior members of the Federal Government of Somalia. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“I condemn today’s appalling attack against innocent civilians and dedicated government officials, many of whom were gathered for Friday prayers,” said SRSG Kay.

“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,” SRSG Kay added. “We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people. Despite such inhuman atrocities, Somalis are successfully rebuilding their government institutions and security forces after more than two decades of state failure and conflict.

The United Nations in Somalia will continue to work to help Somalis realise their hopes and aspirations for a peaceful and stable future.”

SRSG Kay offers his sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as a result of this barbaric act, as well as to the people and Federal Government of Somalia.