AU strongly condemns ‘despicable’ terrorist attacks in Paris
The African Union on Saturday strongly condemned the “despicable” multiple terror attacks in Paris, France, which claimed at least 128 lives on Friday night.
AU Commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was “shocked and deeply saddened by the despicable terrorist attacks that took place yesterday [Friday] in Paris, resulting in the killing of over 100 people and wounding many others”, the AU said in a statement.
“The chairperson of the commission condemns in the strongest terms these cowardly attacks, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. She conveys the AU’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the French government, and wishes speedy recovery to those wounded. She expresses Africa’s full support to, and solidarity with, the French people and government.”
Dlamini Zuma reaffirmed the AU’s total rejection of terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations. She underlined that the Paris attacks were a stark reminder of the need and urgency of renewed international efforts to deal with terrorism and extremism.
To this end, the commission would continue to work with the AU member states and the larger international community to help foster more effective and better co-ordinated global efforts and response, the AU said.
French officials have reportedly put the provisional death toll at 128, with 180 injured, 99 in hospital in critical condition.
Suspected Islamic extremists launched at least seven separate almost simultaneous shooting and suicide bomber attacks on the Bataclan Theatre, the Stade De France, and various restaurants in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II.
French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency and announced that he was closing the country’s borders.
World leaders, including President Jacob Zuma, joined together in sympathy and indignation, condemning the attacks.
The Associated Press reported the Paris prosecutor’s office as having said seven attackers died in suicide bombings. Another was killed by police, and prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre said authorities could not rule out that other attackers were at large. Investigators were also looking for possible accomplices. The attacks, on at least six sites, were near-simultaneous.
The Islamic State has reportedly claimed responsibility – African News Agency (ANA)