The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has expressed her condolences to the Governments and People of The Netherlands, Malaysia and other nationals killed in the Malaysia Airlines that crashed on 17 July 2014, while flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

The Malaysia Airline flight MH17 carrying almost 300 passengers and crew members was reportedly shot down from the airspace along the Russia-Ukraine border.

"It is very wrong and extremely sad for a civilian carrier to be an object of target by anyone, for whatever reasons. There must be an immediate and full international investigation into this unfortunate and deplorable incident. Those responsible must be made to account for this heinous crime. My prayers and heartfelt condolences go to the families, relatives and friends of the victims. Dr. Dlamini Zuma shared her grief with the victims while calling for justice to take its course.

Rebels and the Government authorities in Ukraine have been trading accusations as to who may have blown up the Malaysia Airline. This is the second disaster to befall Malaysia Airlines after the disappearance of Flight MH370 in March this year.

Jacob Enoh Eben
Ag. Spokesperson of the Chairperson