The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) condemned the killing today in Mogadishu of parliamentarian Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’ and voiced his deep concern about recent attacks in the capital since the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan for which the insurgent group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility.
Mr. Mohamud and a security officer were shot and killed as they travelled in a vehicle in Mogadishu this morning, according to UNSOM. A parliamentary official accompanying them was also injured and a second Member of Parliament escaped unharmed.
“I am appalled to learn of the murder of Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’ and condemn his brutal murder in the strongest terms,” Nicholas Kay, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNSOM, said in a statement.
‘I am appalled to learn of the murder of Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’ and condemn his brutal murder in the strongest terms.’
“Ramadan is a time for peace and reconciliation; to commit such callous crimes during the holy month demonstrates how little regard the perpetrators have for the Somali people,” he said.
Mr. Kay called on the authorities to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice as quickly as possible.
“We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people and their representatives as they work to realise their hope for a peaceful and stable future,” the envoy added.
Over the past few months, Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the murder of several parliamentarians as well as an attack on the Parliament itself while it was in session.
