SRSG deplores attacks on Somali politicians

10 Sep 2009

SRSG deplores attacks on Somali politicians

Nairobi, 17 April 2009 - The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has strongly condemned the recent targeted attacks in Mogadishu aimed at delaying the ongoing work by the new Government to restore peace as well as the adoption of Sharia law by the Parliament.

"Yesterday a group, acting in a furtive manner, attempted to assassinate a courageous countryman who is a Cabinet member," said Mr. Ould-Abdallah. "And the day before an innocent Member of Parliament, was killed. I totally deplore these attacks on two true Moslems.

"It is clear that those behind these violent acts are desperate. They are aware of the positive steps made by the Government and its efforts to respond to the wishes of the people and the region. Progress is being made in the field and all members of the international community are expressing their willingness to help.
"Those who carry out these attacks against Somali Moslems will not escape the justice of God or of men. They have been condemned, not only by the international community and the Somali leadership, but by their own people. Their real objective is to denigrate Somalia's image in the region and further abroad and to keep the country in the state of lawlessness that has benefited them for the past 20 years. However, I am confident that this time they will not succeed."