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Roundup: Outpouring of solidarity for Cote d'Ivoire after deadly attack

Xinhua, March 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Cote d'Ivoire has received an outpouring of solidarity from across the world after Sunday's terror attack in the seaside resort of Grand-Bassam that left 22 people dead.

The attack, claimed by Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, was unanimously condemned by heads of state, governments and representatives of international organizations from around the world.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY STANDS WITH COTE D'IVOIRE

A few hours after the attack, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the terror attack in which a UN volunteer from Macedonia, who was working for the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, was killed.

Ban reiterated the UN's commitment "to stand with the Cote d'Ivoire people during this difficult moment" and assured them of the UN support for the Cote d'Ivoire government in its efforts to apprehend and prosecute those behind the heinous crime.

The International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) which has 57 member states, also condemned the attack.

"All the member states of the Francophonie strongly condemn the attacks in Grand Bassam and would like to reiterate their resolve to jointly fight against terrorism," its secretary general Michaelle Jean said in a message.

On Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve arrived in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire's commercial capital, to reassure the country of French support.

They met with President Alassane Ouattara as envoys of French President Francois.

Four French nationals died in the Grand-Bassam attack.

AFRICA IN CONDOLING WITH COTE D'IVOIRE

On Tuesday, Ouattara met in Abidjan with Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe and his Beninese counterpart Boni Yayi, which followed a meeting with the envoy of Morocco King.

The two presidents said they had come to Abidjan to express their sympathy as well as their solidarity with Cote d'Ivoire, with strong condemnation of the attack.

According to them, the fight against terrorism goes beyond national borders and its eradication will require sub-regional, continental as well as global efforts.

Yayi particularly called for "harmonization of efforts in terms of sharing of information and intelligence", while urging the international community to effectively address the issue of terrorism.

Governments of some other African countries have also issued statements condemning the attack.

Gunmen raided three hotels in Grand-Bassam on Sunday, killing at least 19 people, including 16 civilians and three soldiers.

Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage site located some 30 km southeast of Abidjan, is popular with both locals and foreigners.

During an address to the nation on Monday, Cote d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara urged sub-regional countries to unite in the fight against terrorism. Endit