The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), through its Country Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, wishes to express its deep concern about the recent terrorist attacks in Somalia.
According to information reaching the Commission, on 24 July 2019, a suicide attack targeting the Office of the Mayor of Mogadishu, resulted in injuries to the Mayor, and the deaths of at least six (6) Government officials. Many others have also been wounded.
Reports also indicate that on 22 July 2019, a bomb exploded near the international airport in Mogadishu killing seventeen (17) people and injuring dozens more.
The Commission has also received information that on 14 July 2019 a suicide bomber drove a car containing explosives into Asasey Hotel in Kismayo, resulting in the deaths of at least twenty-six (26) people, and injuries to several others.
The Commission notes with concern that the terrorist group Al-Shabaab has taken responsibility for all three attacks.
The Commission recalls ACHPR/Res. 410 (LXIII) 2018 - Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, which condemned the serious human rights violations in Somalia, in particular the indiscriminate killings and injuries to civilians.
In view of the above, the Commission:
- strongly condemns these terrorist attacks which resulted in theindiscriminate killings and injuries to civilians;
- urges the international community as well as missions which operate in Somalia to strengthen their support to the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in order to put an end to terrorist attacks, guarantee the safety and protection of the civilian population, and hold perpetrators of terrorist attacks accountable; and
- urges all parties to prioritise dialogue and refrain from all acts of violence.
The Commission remains seized of this matter.
