African Union Statement on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism
Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism – According to the African Union website, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, on this International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism, pays tribute to all those who have lost their lives and those who continue to suffer the physical, psychological and social consequences of acts of terrorism and extremism.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission emphasizes that the remembrance of the victims is a constant reminder of the urgent need to intensify collective efforts to eradicate terrorism, which continues to wreak havoc, destroy societies and threaten peace, security and development in Africa.
In this regard, the Chairperson recalls that the African Union has established a solid normative framework through the 1999 Organization of African Unity Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and its 2004 Protocol. He calls on all Member States to fully implement these instruments, which embody the continent’s collective commitment to combat this scourge.
The Chairperson stresses the need to combine military and civilian approaches in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism. Security operations must be complemented by initiatives that foster dialogue, reconciliation and socio-economic reintegration.
The Chairperson of the African Union reiterates the Union’s solidarity with all victims and their families, and the determination of the continental body to support Member States in their efforts to eradicate terrorism and promote peace, security and dignity in Africa.
