Tunisia: Ban Ki-moon pays tribute to victims of Bardo museum attack

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday visited the Bardo Museum in the Tunisian capital, Tunis where he paid tribute to the victims of the March 2015 attack.

The attack on the museum by the Islamic State killed at least 24 people and wounded 45 others.

Ban Ki-moon hailed the country’s democratic progress and reaffirmed the UN’s support for the Tunisian government and its citizens.

In Tunisia today, Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to victims of terrorism at Bardo Museum. Info: https://t.co/Tvea8cPIpR pic.twitter.com/1nkluhPJWk

— United Nations (@UN) March 28, 2016

The UN’s boss is on a two-day visit to the North African country.

“World Bank President Kim and I are here to show our support to Tunisia, where progress towards stability and prosperity are advancing despite significant economic and security challenges,” Mr. Ban said.

He assured the country of the United Nations’ support through its transition.

“We’ve just met with his excellency President Beji Caid Essebsi. I congratulated him for the democratic progress made in Tunisia. I also lauded his efforts to reduce social and economic inequalities,” the UN head said.

UN's Ban Ki Moon and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim meet with Essebsi, Essid and Ennaceur https://t.co/huXEakvWcB #tunisia

— Tunisia-tn (@Tunisiatn_com) March 29, 2016

He noted that unemployment, especially among youth, was one of the biggest challenges affecting Tunisia.

“I am impatient to hear young people tell me in person about their fears and the kind of help or support they need,” indicated the UN chief, who will be attending a national conference on employment, organized by the Tunisian Prime Minister.

Ban Ki-moon is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister; Habib Zssad, and the president of the Assembly of the Representatives of the people, Mohammed Ennaceur.

The talks are expected to focus on concrete proposals to generate economic results that benefit the Tunisian population, especially relating to job creation and economic support.