THE AFRICAN UNION STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE DASTARDLY TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST INNOCENT CIVILIANS IN NAIROBI

Addis Ababa, 21 September 2013: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, condemns in the strongest possible terms the dastardly terrorist attacks today against innocent civilians in a Nairobi shopping mall, which caused the loss of many lives.

The Chairperson of the Commission states that this cowardly attack, for which the al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab group has claimed responsibility, once again underlines the imperative for renewed and reinvigorated efforts to combat terrorism throughout the continent. She reiterates the AU’s commitment to continue working with its Member States and partners to this end.

The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the solidarity of the AU with the government and peoples of Kenya. She presents the AU’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s commitment to sustain its efforts to counter terrorism throughout the continent, as well as to pursue its efforts to stabilize the situation in Somalia and the fight against Al Shabaab, through its Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).