UNDP compound in Hargeisa hit by bomb

The Secretary-General condemned yesterday in a statement the five bombing attacks that took place in Hargeisa and Bossaso, Northern Somalia, on 29 October, one of them targeting UNDP’s compound. The explosion of a car bomb which forced its way through the UNDP Hargeisa compound caused the death of two UN staff members. Two UNDP staff were seriously wounded and several other UN personnel are sustaining minor injuries.    “UNDP Somalia is working in Hargeisa and the north-west regions to assist the process of reconstruction, building on the peace which has been achieved there since 1998” said Bruno Lemarquis, UNDP’s Country Director.   UNDP works in the north-west regions with local governments and communities to deliver much needed services such as water and access to health. UNDP also helps to build regional institutions such as police, the rule of law, public finance management and other key institutions of governance. UNDP Somalia is supporting Somalis in the areas of peace building, recovery, development, governance and livelihoods. In each area, UNDP seeks to contribute real, measurable improvements in the lives of Somali people.