The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Right’s Country Rapporteur for the Republic of Somalia, Honourable Commissioner Med S.K. Kaggwa (the Country Rapporteur) expresses deep concern over the recent bomb attack on Saturday 14 October 2017 in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia.
The Country Rapporteur strongly condemns the horrific terror attack when a lorry packed with explosives denoted and killed over three hundred civilians and injuring hundreds more. The Country Rapporteur expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of of the victims and the people of Somalia and wishes to reassure its solidarity with the Government and People of Somalia during this difficult time.
The Country Rapporteur further condemns the instigators and perpetrators of these horrendous acts of violence and calls for an immediate end to the repeated attacks on civilians in Somalia.These acts of terror violate human rights as it negates the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights treaties.
The Country Rapporteur urges the Government of Somalia to take all necessary measures to prevent such human rights violations by terrorist groups; to take the necessary steps to investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible; and to ensure peace and security throughout the country. In doing so, the Country Rapporteur reminds the State of the need to respect human rights while countering terrorism and particularly encourages the State to be inspired by the Directives contained in the Commission’s Principles and Guidelines on Human and Peoples’ Rights while Countering Terrorism in Africa.
The Country Rapporteur calls on the African Union and the International Community at large, to continue their support and commitment to the Government of Somalia in their efforts to fight terrorism and end all acts of terror and violence in Somalia.
For further information, please contact:
Secretariat of the Commission
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District
Western Region.
P.O Box 673 Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: 220 4410505/6; 2304361
Fax: 220 4410504
E-mail: au-banjul@africa-union.org
