UN Security Council condemns Mandera attack

Bullet holes on a Makka Travel bus that was attacked by Al-Shabaab militants on November 22, 2014 in Mandera. The attackers killed 28 passengers. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The UN top decision-making body also affirmed its “solidarity with the people and government of Kenya in their fight against terrorism.”
  • The Council stated that perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism should be brought to justice.

NEW YORK

The United Nations Security Council has condemned Saturday’s Al-Shabaab attack on a bus in Mandera that left 28 passengers dead.

The UN's top decision-making body also affirmed its “solidarity with the people and government of Kenya in their fight against terrorism”.

The Council reiterated its resolute and long-standing support to all actors working to end the threat posed by Al-Shabaab in the region.

In a statement, the Council's 15 member-states paid tribute to Kenya for her role in the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the statement read.

The Council stated that perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism should be brought to justice.

The Council's statement follows similar responses by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the White House in Washington.

“The United States stands with our Kenyan partners in the effort to counter the threat of terrorism and affirms our ongoing commitment to working with all Kenyans to combat these atrocities,” said a statement issued on Saturday by a spokeswoman for the US National Security Council.

A spokesman for Mr Ban said on Saturday that the UN leader “hopes those responsible for today's attack will be brought to justice swiftly.”