UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia statement on Mogadishu UN attack

The UN Special Representative for the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, condemned the violent attack on the United Nations Common Compound in Mogadishu. At about 11:30 this morning, a pickup truck rigged with explosives was detonated outside the gate of the UN compound, and attackers then entered on foot. Gunfire and further explosions followed, as staff took refuge in secure areas. “I am truly shocked and horrified by what took place in Mogadishu today. The United Nations Common Compound houses UN personnel working on humanitarian and development issues for the Somali people. This was an act of blatant terrorism and a desperate attempt to knock Somalia off its path of recovery and peace building.” 

“Thankfully, the vast majority of our staff are unhurt. I would like to express my gratitude to the Somali government and people for the support and concern they have shared with us. We also owe our thanks to the Somali forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) who stepped in quickly and effectively to protect dozens of UN personnel, Somali and international.” 

We are verifying reports of casualties. There are certainly some injured and most likely worse. 

Our Mogadishu colleagues are shaken but the United Nations remains determined to stand by the people of Somalia. My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with the friends and families of all those injured and affected.