Dirco checking on safety of SA citizens in France
The International relations and co-operation department is attempting to establish whether any South Africans were among the victims of the co-ordinated wave of terror attacks in Paris, which reportedly claimed at least 153 lives on Friday night.
The department has been in contact with the South African embassy since the attacks and embassy staff and officials in France for the upcoming Cop 21 climate change conference are all apparently accounted for.
The department had reportedly not been informed about any South Africans being among the victims.
South Africa has added its voice to others around the world condemning the attacks, and President Jacob Zuma has sent a message of condolences to French President Francois Hollande.
South Africa condemned “this terrorist attack in the strongest terms possible”. “We absolutely condemn it in the strongest terms possible,” the department reportedly said. Terrorism had to be fought at all costs.
Various media reports said there had been international condemnation of the wave of attacks in Paris, which started when gunmen stormed the Bataclan Theatre during a concert, shooting at people present. Reports said 112 people died before police and military stormed the building.
At least six other attacks by gunmen and suicide bombers were targeted at restaurants, clubs, and a soccer match at the Stade De France, killing at least 40 people.
Hollande has reportedly closed France’s borders and declared a state of emergency.
“I have called the cabinet which is going to meet soon. This state of emergency will be decreed which means certain places will be closed. The second decision I’ve made is closing borders, we have to assure ourselves that no one can enter. This is a terrible hardship,” he reportedly said.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State is a prime suspect according to security analysts.
ANA
Photo: AFP