Press Statement
Sean McCormack
Washington, DC
July 7, 2008
Somalia – Murder of United Nations Official
The United States condemns the murder of Osman Ali Ahmed, Officer in Charge of the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) in Mogadishu, Somalia. We offer our sympathy and condolences to Ahmed’s family and colleagues, and appreciate
Somali and African Union medical efforts to save Ahmed’s life.
Ahmed’s murder, a brutal act that occurred as he, his son and brother left a mosque after prayers, highlights the
determination of violent extremists to attack the right to worship and to silence moderate voices working for peace and
lasting stability in Somalia.
The United States calls on all Somalis to work together through peaceful dialogue and compromise in the spirit of the
June 9 Djibouti Agreement and to ensure the safety of all humanitarian staff in Somalia.
2008/552
Released on July 7, 2008
ENDS