In a statement attributable to his Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, the Secretary General reiterated “the support and solidarity of the United Nations with the people and Federal Government of Somalia in this endeavor.”
The Secretary General “sends his profound condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” said the statement.
The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) reported that car bombs went off near the capital’s Sahafi Hotel on Friday afternoon. The initial explosions were followed by gunfire, all believed to be orchestrated by the jihadist terrorist group, Al-Shabab.
In its years-long fight against the UN and internationally-backed Government, the extremist group has been targeting places where officials and security forces are likely to frequent, such as the Sahafi Hotel. So far, authorities have reported that at least 20 people have been killed, and 17 wounded.
In a Friday statement denouncing the attack, UN Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga, said the agency has faith the terror attacks will not taint Somalia’s progress on the road to full economic and security reform.