President Zuma condemns terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso
South Africa on Saturday added its voice to those condemning the terrorist attack in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, in which at least 23 people were killed on Friday night.
“The South African government joins the international community in strongly condemning the cowardly terrorist attacks that took place at a restaurant and a hotel in Ouagadougou… that resulted in the deaths and injuries of scores of innocent civilians,” President Jacob Zuma said in a statement.
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, Zuma conveyed a message of deepest condolences to President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, the government, and people of Burkina Faso, particularly the families of the victims.
“South Africa stands firmly with the rest of the international community in its condemnation of these senseless attacks targeting innocent civilians and reiterates its stance that terrorism, in whatever form and from whichever quarter, cannot be condoned.
“The South African Embassy in Ouagadougou is closely monitoring developments and will report to Pretoria as soon as information is available on the well-being of any South African citizens,” Zuma said.
According to reports, at least 23 people of 18 different nationalities died when Islamist militants attacked the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou, and another hotel and a cafe nearby on Friday night. At least 33 more people were reportedly injured.
The siege at the Splendid Hotel ended on Saturday morning after a joint operation by Burkina Faso and French security forces. Islamist terror group al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have reportedly both claimed responsibility for the attack. Four of the attackers were killed, two of them reportedly women.
ANA
(File photo)