Press Statement:

“These senseless killings of innocent civilians must stop” - Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 3 March 2014: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has expressed her outrage at continuing acts of barbarism and terrorism perpetuated on innocent people by unscrupulous individuals and groups reigning havoc in Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia and other countries since the beginning of this year.

“These senseless killings of innocent children, youth, women and other civilians, even while they are asleep in school dormitories, recovering in hospitals or in places of religious worship and relaxation, must stop.”

In her goodwill message delivered in Abuja during Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in February, the AUC Chairperson recalled the continent’s history of peaceful co-existence.“The African continent and its peoples, for centuries, have been home to the diversity of its indigenous religions, as well as to Christianity and Islam.”

The AUC Chairperson urged the continent to recommit to continental efforts to work towards human security, peace and security in Africa.“We must also recommit to build inclusive social and economic systems, to ensure equitable distribution of resources and development; democratic, people-centred and accountable government and to manage the diversity of our cultures, religions and peoples as amongst the key ingredients for lasting peace.”

JEE/