West African states condemn Charlie Hebdo magazine attack

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday condemned last week's terrorist attack on the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, as barbaric and inhuman.

In a statement reaching Xinhua in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, President of the Commission Kadre Desire Ouegraogo said the Jan. 7 attack was a tragedy to the global media.

Armed men stormed the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a weekly news magazine known for satirical caricatures, killing 12 persons.

"In these difficult times for France and quiet reflection in the memory of the illustrious dead, martyrs of freedom, ECOWAS joins in the mourning of the French Nation and offers heartfelt condolences to H.E. Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic, his Government and bereaved families," the statement said.

"This unacceptable act against democracy which ECOWAS condemns in the strongest possible terms, reminds the International Community of the need to continue, with great resolve, all the efforts to combat obscurantism, extremism and terrorism in all its forms," it added.

"ECOWAS acknowledges France's commitment on this subject and would like to reiterate its full support and encouragement in this legitimate campaign to uphold and promote fundamental freedoms," the statement said.

As the Charlie Hebdo attack takes a global perspective, more than 40 world leaders on Sunday were joined by millions who converged in Paris to protest against terrorism.

Protests and street marches also took place in several cities across Europe, including Berlin, Brussels and Madrid. Endi