UN envoy for Somalia visits Jubaland after Kismayo hotel attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia -- A UN envoy in Somalia said on Monday terror attacks will not derail efforts to stabilize Somalia and expressed solidarity in the aftermath of a terror attack on Friday in which 26 people were killed and 56 others injured.

James Swan, special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, on Monday, visited the port city of Kismayo in Jubaland region in the aftermath of the terrorist attack for which al-Shabab militants claimed responsibility.

"Such despicable acts of terrorism cannot derail the progress that Jubaland makes towards reconciliation and political stability, as a federal member state of Somalia," Swan said in a statement issued after the day-long visit to Kismayo.

He expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"The attack that took place on 12 July killed and wounded innocent civilians, including two prominent Somali journalists. There is no political or ideological justification for such atrocities. The United Nations stands with the people and authorities of Jubaland as they deal with this terrible tragedy," Swan said.

During the visit made when Jubaland is preparing to hold indirect presidential and regional assembly elections, Swan met with Jubaland's President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Madobe.

"I held very frank discussions today with President Madobe. It is important that the selection of new members of the Jubaland parliament and the president takes place without violence, on time and without interference, and that it follows a fair and transparent process acceptable to all," Swan said.

He said the UN maintains a robust presence in Jubaland, despite a fluid security situation.