Addis Ababa, 21 May 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, strongly condemns the abhorrent terrorist twin bombings which took place yesterday, 20 May 2014, in a market place in the central city of Jos in Nigeria, killing dozens of people and injuring many more. She expresses AU’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and Government of Nigeria, and wishes those wounded strength and speedy recovery.

The Chairperson reiterates AU’s full support to the efforts of the Nigerian Government aimed at combating terrorism. In this respect, she welcomes the operational conclusions of the 5th Meeting of Heads of Intelligence and Security Services of the Countries of the Sahelo-Saharan Region, held in Ouagadougou on 19-20 May 2014, which provide for a set of measures aimed at enhancing collective regional action against terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

The Chairperson of the Commission, once again, underscores the need for all AU Member States, in partnership with the International Community, to redouble efforts to address the scourge terrorism. In this regard, she recalls the relevant AU instruments and existing regional initiatives which provide an appropriate framework for increased cooperation among Member States.