Nairobi, 13 May 2009: The UN Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, has accused those who launched the recent attacks on Mogadishu of carrying out an attempted coup d’état to topple a legitimate government using force.  

“It has been widely condemned by the international community and regional organizations,” Mr. Ould-Abdallah said.  

“These extremists know that they do not have the support of the Somali people and that is why they have to bring in foreign fighters who are not connected to the situation in Somalia in any way.  

“This attack has again demonstrated that such groups were not, as they claimed, fighting against Ethiopian troops but are trying to establish a very different agenda.  

“Those same individuals who rejected dialogue in 2006 and continue to do so, are again trying to bring about further destruction of their own people.  

“I understand thousands of people have been forced from their homes and displaced from several areas of Mogadishu by these attackers, particularly in Towfiiq, Ali Kamiin, Suuq Ba'ad and the stadium area.”  

The SRSG said the individuals and entities behind the fighters were known and will face the force of law sooner or later.  

“The spoilers have worked to destroy the lives of individual Somalis and to spread instability in the region.”

------------------------------ ------------------------------ ----------------------- For more information please contact: Susannah Price or Donna Cusumano,

Public Information Officers, UN Political Office for Somalia (Nairobi, Kenya)Tel: +254 20 762 1192/1625 or +254 733902020/737400133 Please visit: www.UN-Somalia.org