Attack on UN compound in Somalia may be ‘violation of international humanitarian law’

January 2, 2019 by United Nations 1 Comment

UNSOM A worker putting up a sign for the new UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Headquarters in Mogadishu.

This article is brought to you in association with the United Nations. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned Tuesday’s attacks against the UN compound in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, saying that intentionally attacking UN personnel may constitute “a violation of international humanitarian law.” Seven mortars landed inside the compound, injuring two UN staff members and one contractor. None of the injuries is life-threatening. Mr. Guterres wished the injured a speedy recovery and urged the Somali authorities to “investigate the attacks and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.” The Secretary-General reaffirmed that “such acts will not diminish the strong resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and Government of Somalia in their efforts to build peace and stability in the country.” Meanwhile, Nicholas Haysom, his Special Representative in the country and head of the Assistance Mission UNSOM, condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms.” Al-Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. Deploring the “unwarranted act of aggression against our personnel,” Mr. Haysom stressed that “no political agenda can be served through violence that deliberately targets staff members of international organizations who are supporting the consolidation of peace and the strengthening of governing institutions in Somalia.” Hours later, news media reported that the Somali Government declared Mr. Haysom persona non-grata and asked him to leave the country, saying that he violated international diplomatic norms by interfering in the State’s national sovereignty. The unfolding news reports detailed that on Monday, the UN diplomat wrote the Somali government a letter asking it, among other things, to explain the legal basis for arresting Mukhtar Robow, the former al-Shabab deputy leader who was the main challenger in the South West State elections for regional presidency.

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