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UN chief condemns deadly suicide bombing at mosque in Cameroon

Cameroon military on the lookout for Boko Haram militants in the Far North Kolofata community, along the border with Nigeria.
Monde Kingsley Nfor/IRIN
Cameroon military on the lookout for Boko Haram militants in the Far North Kolofata community, along the border with Nigeria.

UN chief condemns deadly suicide bombing at mosque in Cameroon

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned a deadly suicide bombing in the village of Kouyape, in the Far North region of Cameroon, during morning prayer at a mosque.

“The attack, perpetrated by suspected Boko Haram elements, resulted in the death of an estimated 13 people, including the imam, and numerous injured,” indicated a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Cameroon, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack,” it added.

The UN chief also reiterated his call for a comprehensive approach to preventing and countering the scourge of terrorism, and addressing its root causes, in compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ban welcomed the holding of the African Union’s Donors Conference to mobilize resources for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to combat the Boko Haram terrorist group, to be held on 1 February in Addis Ababa.

“He encourages full support for this initiative,” concluded the statement.