Secretary-General Condemns Al-Shabaab’s Seizure of Property, Equipment in Somalia

 

Belonging to Organizations, UN Agencies Providing Humanitarian Assistance

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Al-Shabaab’s seizure of property and equipment belonging to several non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies earlier today.  This brazen act prevents these organizations from providing life-saving assistance.

The Secretary-General demands that Al-Shabaab vacate the premises and return seized property to the affected agencies and NGOs.  He calls for the ban imposed today by Al-Shabaab against these humanitarian organizations to be lifted immediately.  He further calls on all parties in Somalia to respect international humanitarian law.

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For information media • not an official record