UNHCR Special Envoy condemns Mogadishu bombing incident

NAIROBI, Kenya—UNHCR Special Envoy for the Somali Refugee Situation today condemned the bombing incident that killed more than 300 people in Mogadishu over the weekend.

“The wanton murder and maiming of innocent citizens is despicable,” said Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey in Nairobi. “I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to the affected individuals and families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.”

Ambassador Affey called on the international community to support the Government of Somalia to secure the country and prevent the spread of violent extremism, adding that security is the central pillar of a return to stability in the county.

He urged the people of Somalia not to give up. “This attack should not dampen their resolve to reclaim the country. The citizens must rally around the programmes of the Government to secure the country.”

He commended the continuing efforts by those who are of means, like the business community and individuals in the diaspora, to support their affected brothers and sisters.

The Special Envoy noted that Somali refugees living in Djibouti, Kenya and Yemen continue to make the decision to return home. Since 2014, 107,392 Somali refugees have returned; 76,612 from Kenya, 33,154 from Yemen (and 626 from other countries of asylum.

The Somali refugee situation is one of the most protracted in the world, spanning over two decades and affecting three generations. There are nearly one million Somali refugees in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Yemen, and approximately 1.2 million Somalis displaced within Somalia.