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'Shock and Sadness': African Countries Express Condolences to Russia Over Friday Terrorist Attack

© Sputnik . Maksim Blinov / Go to the mediabankThe burning roof of the Crocus City Hall concert hall
The burning roof of the Crocus City Hall concert hall - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 23.03.2024
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On Friday, a tragic shooting incident followed by a devastating fire unfolded at Russia's Crocus City Hall concert venue, with the number of victims tragically reaching 143, as confirmed by Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent company, Rossiya Segodnya. The Ministry of Health reported that 115 people were hospitalized.
The tragedy that occurred on Friday night in the city of Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, has left many people in shock. Condolences for the dead and injured, as well as condemnation of the terrorist attack and heinous violence, continue to pour in from all corners of the world.
Many African nations also shared their grief with Russia and strongly condemned this crime against civilians.

Sputnik Africa has compiled some of the statements from the continent, as they continue to surface.

Tanzania "strongly condemned" all acts of violence that are directed at innocent people, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Tulia Ackson, said.

"It is with shock and sadness that I learnt of the deaths and injuries following the attack at a concert near Moscow this evening. I strongly condemn any violence that targets innocent people. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and all impacted," Ackson expressed her condolences.

South Africa, represented by the head of public diplomacy Clayson Monyela, echoed her words, adding that all the South African students who currently study in Moscow are safe.
"[South Africa] condemns this & all acts of terror. Condolences to the families of the victims & we wish the injured speedy recoveries. We continue to monitor the situation & will share updates," he said.
Later on Saturday, the country's president Cyril Ramaphosa also said that South Africa is "deeply saddened" and "pays condolences to the people of Russia following the tragic terror attack."
Furthermore, Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré called the attack "barbaric and inhuman" and denounced with "energy these terrorist acts that should not go unpunished."
"This despicable and cruel macabre signature is the translation of cowardice in its most complete form," the minister told Sputnik Africa.
President Ibrahim Traore also expressed his “deepest condolences” and "solidarity with the brave people of Burkina Faso and the families of the victims," adding that in the face of the attack, his "country is more determined than ever, in close cooperation with Russia and all partners of good will, to fight terrorists in the name of well-being of our peoples."
Condolences continue to pour in from all over Africa. Thus, the Comoros condemned the terrorist attack and expressed confidence in the resilience of the Russian people, capable of overcoming such a tragic event, adviser to the country's President Hamada Madi Boléro told Sputnik.
"We unequivocally condemn the cowardly terrorist attack,” Bolero said, adding that it was a “disgusting act,” especially “in the middle of the month of Ramadan.”
Mauritius Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin also condemned the terrorist attack against the "innocent civilians" and reiterated that Mauritius unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
North Africa, represented by Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan, joined the list of mourners.
Morocco said that it "strongly condemns the terrorist attack [...], claimed by the terrorist organization Daesh*, resulting in the loss of many lives and injuries."

"The Kingdom of Morocco expresses its solidarity with the Russian authorities in the face of terrorism. The Kingdom presents its condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," Morrocan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X.

Tunisia, in its turn, expressed its "full solidarity with the friendly Russian Federation in this serious tragedy" and firmly stated its refusal to accept any manifestations of violence, extremism, and terrorism.
"Tunisia also extends the expression of its most sincere condolences and warmest sympathy to the Russian leadership and people and to the families of the victims, wishing a prompt recovery to all the injured," the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The Libyan Foreign Ministry condemned the incident "in the strongest terms" and reiterated its "principled rejection" of all forms of terrorism against civilians, the Russian embassy in the North African country said. Libya also expressed sympathy and compassion for the Russian people and the families of the victims, and conveyed "sincere condolences" to the Russian government.
Libya's Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Lahweej also called for "collective international solidarity" to eradicate terrorism, especially since it "has no nationality and no religion."
Egypt "condemned the shooting incident in the strongest terms" and expressed "sincere condolences and sympathy to the friendly government and people of Russia in this painful tragedy, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured." In addition, the country reaffirmed its "strong condemnation and total rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, expressing its full solidarity with Russia in this delicate situation."
Sudan also condemned the terrorist attack "in the strongest possible terms."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sudan, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Sudan, expresses sincere condolences to the leadership, the Government and people of Russia, and the families of the victims. It wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded. We express full solidarity with the friendly Russian Federation, we are confident in its ability to overcome this tragedy," the ministry said.
Sudan also emphasized its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Furthermore, Malian President Colonel Assimi Goita also expressed his condolences over the "the cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack."

"I learned with great bitterness of the cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack against the Russian people [...]. In these painful moments, I express my compassion to President Vladimir Putin and his wounded people," the leader said.

Mali's neighbor, Mauritania, offered its "most saddened condolences and sincere wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured" while reiterating the country's "firm condemnation of this criminal act and all terrorist acts" in general, the local media reported.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye also condemned the attack and expressed condolences, adding that his country stands with Russia.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Moscow which killed innocent citizens and injured others. I express my condolences to the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. We stand together with the Russian people in these difficult moments," he posted on X.

Another East African country, Ethiopia, condemned the "barbaric and heinous" attack on Moscow and extended its "heartfelt condolences" to the Russian families of those killed.

"Terrorism is a grave danger to mankind and requires the concerted effort countries around the world to prevent such loss of life. Ethiopia stands in solidarity with the government and people of the Russian Federation in this difficult time and and it can count on Ethiopia's full support in the fight against terrorism," the statement added.

Furthermore, the Democratic Republic of Congo "strongly condemned" the terrorist attack and "expressed its solidarity with the authorities and the brotherly people of Russia."
Its neighbor, Central African Republic, said that the attack must be "severely punished."
"The CAR can only condemn this terrorist attack. It must be severely punished. My wish is that Russia severely punishes the perpetrators of this despicable attack and that our relationship with Russia must move forward," said Minister of Defense Claude Remeaux Bireau.
The Ghana-Russia Center for Commerce and Relations also condemned Friday's terrorist attack and expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and the Russian people, wishing a speedy recovery to those affected by the tragedy.
“The Ghana-Russia Center for Trade and Relations condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that took place in Moscow, where innocent citizens, including children, were killed and injured,” a press release from the Center obtained by Sputnik Africa said.
Chairman of the African Union Moussa Faki Mahamat joined in condolences to Russia in connection with Friday's “horrific terror attack.”
"I was shocked to learn of the horrific terror attack in Moscow, claiming many victims. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and in solidarity with the people & Government of the Russian Federation following this heinous attack that we condemn in the strongest terms," he said on X.
Another African country, Madagascar, "strongly condemned" the "despicable act," adding that it "remains committed to the fight against terrorism." The country also expressed solidarity with the Russian people, saying that "our thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured."
Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi called the attack "senseless" and "barbaric," adding that it is "counter to all fundamental principles of our shared humanity."

"My brother and counterpart, H.E. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov [...] be assured that Kenya strongly and unequivocally condemns this atrocious act and stands with you in mourning the loss of innocent lives. Acts of terrorism and violent extremism are unjustifiable and inexcusable; they are an assault on humanity’s collective moral consciousness," he wrote on X.

President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki and Foreign Minister Osman Saleh also sent letters of condolences to their Russian counterparts on the terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow. The Eritrean officials strongly condemned this act of terror and expressed their support to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as well as the Russian people and the bereaved families. They also wished quick recovery of those injured.
Likewise, Nigeria “stands in brotherhood” with Russia and conveyed “deepest condolences” over the tragedy.

“The government and people of Nigeria commiserate with the victims of this tragic attack and pray for the repose of their souls. We also pray for the quick recovery of those injured. At this challenging moment, we stand in brotherhood with the government and the Russian Federation and send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Russian President […] Vladimir Putin,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar posted on X.

Last but not least, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea called the terrorist attack in Moscow “terrible and cowardly” and said that his country stands in solidarity with Russia.
* Terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other states.
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