Addis Ababa, 30 January 2015: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has learned, with deep sorrow, of the terrorist attacks perpetrated, on 29 January 2015, in the Sinai Peninsula, in Egypt, killing dozens of people and injuring many others.

The Chairperson of the Commission strongly condemns these terrorist attacks, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. She expresses the AU’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as its solidarity with the Government and people of Egypt. She wishes speedy recovery to the wounded.

The Chairperson of the Commission stresses that the attacks that took place in the Sinai Peninsula and other terrorist acts on the continent underline the need for enhanced African action in combatting the scourge of terrorism, within the framework of the relevant AU and international instruments. She reiterates the commitment of the Commission to pursue its efforts in this respect, including in pursuance of the communiqué on terrorism and violent extremism, adopted by the Peace and Security Council at its 455th meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 2 September 2014.