2009 Press releases

U.S. Condemns Mogadishu Bombing

Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release                                                 December 4, 2009

 STATEMENT BY IAN KELLY, SPOKESMAN

 The United States condemns in the strongest terms the December 3rd suicide bombing in Mogadishu. At a university gathering, a suicide bomber murdered 22 students, teachers, journalists, and others. Three ministers of the Transitional Federal Government were among those killed.

 Those who committed this attack choose death and destruction and have no interest in rebuilding the country. We look to Somalis everywhere to end the violent conflict that has engulfed their homeland for nearly two decades. The United States, with the international community, will partner with the Somali people to help them achieve that goal.

Joint Statement Condemning Today’s Suicide Bombing in Mogadishu        

 

The African Union Mission in Somalia

The European Union

The InterGovernmental Authority on Development

League of Arab States

Norway

The United Nations

The United States of America

 

Nairobi, 03 December 2009 – The African Union Mission in Somalia, the European Union, the InterGovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the United Nations, Norway and the United States condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s cowardly suicide bombing of TFG officials, students, journalists, and other civilians in Mogadishu. 

This horrific attack is another demonstration of the extremists’ complete disregard for human life.  The fact that this bombing targeted a ceremony for graduating medical students - the future doctors of Somalia - is particularly egregious.  These desperate acts, however, will not deter the international community from continuing its support to the Transitional Federal Government and the Somali people who are working to restore peace and stability in Somalia.

The attack killed three ministers, and seriously wounded a fourth, who were working selflessly for reconciliation in Somalia.  The Ministers were merely carrying out their civic duties in attending a graduation ceremony in which young, enterprising Somalis were marking what should have been a landmark occurrence in their young lives.

AMISOM, the EU, IGAD, LAS, Norway, the UN, and the US offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims of this cold-blooded attack, as well as to the Government and the people of Somalia. 

  August 3: U.S. Dismayed with Somaliland Developments

The United States government is profoundly dismayed with the recent developments in Somaliland, particularly the decision by President Riyale and the National Electoral Commission to discard the recently-completed voter registration list.  We believe the list forms a sound basis for use in the elections scheduled for September 27.  We have directly urged President Riyale to reconsider his decision.

July 21: U.S. Condemns Obstruction of Humanitarian

The United States government condemns al-Shabaab’s July 20 decision to ban three United Nations organizations and its looting of UN compounds in Wajid and Baidoa. While the Transitional Federal Government pursues broad-based peace and reconciliation efforts, al-Shabaab chooses violence, including amputations and suicide bombings.  We condemn al-Shabaab’s crimes, which only further worsen the already dire situation of Somalis, who seek peace and stability after nearly two decades of suffering.

July 17: U.S. Urges Release of Journalists in Somaliland

The United States government condemns the recent arrests in Somaliland of Radio Horyaal journalists Mohamed Osman Mire and Ahmed Saleban Dhuhul, and the suspension of Horn Cable TV (HCTV).  We call for the immediate release of the journalists, and we strongly urge that Horn Cable TV be allowed to resume broadcasting without impediment during this important, pre-election period.

June 30: U.S. Ambassador Ranneberger Visits Injured Somalis

On June 26, United States Ambassador Michael Ranneberger visited a Nairobi hospital, where Somali elders and TFG officials who were wounded in the June 18 al-Shabaab suicide attack in Beledweyne, Somalia, are being treated.  The June 18 attack took the life of Transitional Federal Government (TFG) Minister of National Security Omar Hashi and as many as forty others.  In remarks to the press after the visit, the Ambassador condemned the attack, and pledged continued U.S. government support for the TFG.

May 14: U.S. Insists Eritrea Stop Fomenting Violence in Somalia
Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman,  Office of the Spokesman
Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC

The United States urges the Government of the State of Eritrea to stop fanning the flames of violence in Somalia. Over the past week, extremists in Mogadishu have repeatedly attacked the people of Somalia and the Transitional Federal Government in pursuit of a radical agenda that can only promote further acts of terrorism and lead to greater regional instability. Eritrea has been instrumental in facilitating support of the extremists to commit these attacks. This support must cease immediately. Eritrea’s support for anti-government forces in Somalia is a serious obstacle to the possibility of a more normal relationship with the United States.
The United States calls on all parties to the conflict in Mogadishu to implement an immediate cease-fire and permit humanitarian assistance to be delivered safely.

 
May 14: U.S. Denounces Violence, Supports TFG

 The Government of the United States condemns the recent attacks on the Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu that have forced thousands of Somalis from their homes.  The extremists who are instigating these attacks have no regard for the well-being of Somalis, and are undermining the peaceful efforts of the legitimate government to further national reconciliation.

 The United States is particularly disturbed at reports that foreign fighters and those who rejected dialogue in 2006 are participating in this effort to forcibly remove a legitimate Somali government from power.  The United States, in concert with the international community, strongly supports President Sharif and the TFG, and commends the important progress the TFG has made in the past several months.


February 14: The U.S. Congratulates Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke

 The United States government congratulates Omar Sharmarke on his appointment and confirmation as Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government.  Mr. Sharmarke takes on a momentous task at a critical time in the history of Somalia.
 We commend the TFG, under the leadership of President Sharif, for having completed this process in an exemplary manner.  We welcome the commitment of the TFG leadership to establish a broad-based government.  We will continue to support efforts to achieve peace and stability in Somalia.  We urge all Somalis who reject violence, extremism, and terrorism to seize this opportunity to bring about a better future for all Somalis.

January 31: The Election of Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed

 The United States Government congratulates Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on his election as president of Somalia's Transitional Federal Government.  President Sharif has been a strong proponent of the Djibouti Process and has worked diligently on reconciliation efforts in Somalia.  We urge President Sharif to reach out to the broad spectrum of Somalis who reject violence and extremism in forming a new government.

We encourage all Somalis to support the President and his government and urge members of the Somali leadership to concentrate on security and good governance in this transitional period.  The United States looks forward to cooperating with President Sharif and his broad-based government on these efforts to establish democracy and achieve peace in Somalia.

Email this