March 13, 2026 12:49 am (IST)
Follow us:
UN condemns killing of two consultants in Somalia
New York, Apr 8 (IBNS): Senior United Nations officials on Monday voiced outrage at the killing of two consultants working for the world body's arm dealing with drugs and crime who were shot by unknown gunmen in Somalia's Puntland region.
Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), strongly condemned the killing of his colleagues in the “cruel and senseless” attack at Galkayo Airport.
“I hope the relevant authorities in Somalia will undertake every effort to ensure that their killers are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said in a statement.
“I would also like to offer my most profound condolences to the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues of these two individuals, who were so committed and dedicated to UNODC’s work.”
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the “cold-blooded killing” in a statement issued by his spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General urges the relevant authorities to fully investigate this outrageous crime and to bring the perpetrators to justice without delay,” said the statement. “He expresses his appreciation to all United Nations staff in Somalia for their continued dedication under difficult circumstances.”
Ban’s Special Representative in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, also condemned the “brutal” murder of the two international consultants, who were in Galkayo to support UNODC efforts in the region.
“Our UN colleagues were working in support of the Somali people’s aspiration for a peaceful and stable future. There can be no justification for such a callous attack,” said Kay, who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
He too called on the authorities to immediately conduct a full investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
In a statement issued to the press, the members of the UN Security Council condemned the killings “in the strongest terms” and joined the call for the Somali authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The members of the Security Council are appalled that individuals working to support the people of Somalia have been killed as they sought to help Somalia progress towards peace and prosperity,” they stated.
(UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov. Photo: UNODC)
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Iran's new Supreme Leader says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, warns US bases could be targeted in first remarks
Thu, Mar 12 2026
Iran pulls out of 2026 FIFA World Cup amid war with US-Israel
Thu, Mar 12 2026
Iran deploys elite unit to guard new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei after father’s killing
Wed, Mar 11 2026
Fire at sea! Thai cargo vessel attacked near Strait of Hormuz amid rising Gulf tensions
Wed, Mar 11 2026
Mystery projectile hits container ship near UAE amid rising Gulf tensions, claims UK Maritime Agency
Wed, Mar 11 2026
Australia grants asylum to five Iranian women footballers after anthem protest; Albanese says ‘they are safe here’
Tue, Mar 10 2026