UN chief condemns 'heinous terrorist attacks' in Burkina Faso's capital

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the “heinous terrorist attacks” carried out yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, which resulted in more than 29 deaths and many other people wounded.

“The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people and Government of Burkina Faso, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his Spokesperson.

The UN chief also reiterated the full support of the United Nations to the authorities of Burkina Faso and said he stands in solidarity with the country and the region in its fight against terrorism.

“He calls on the authorities to do their utmost to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice promptly,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the members of the Security Council condemned the attacks in the strongest terms indicating that Al Mourabitoune, a terrorist group affiliated to Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, has claimed responsibility.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” indicated a statement by the 15-member body.

They also underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these “reprehensible acts” of terrorism to justice, and stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable.