The African Union strongly condemns the suicide bombing in Istanbul, Turkey

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma strongly condemns the suicide bombing, which was carried out by a suspected member of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the Sultanahmet district in Istanbul that left at least 10 people, most of them German tourists, dead, and many others injured.

The Chairperson of the Commission describes it as a cowardly attack on civilization. She expresses the AU's solidarity with the Government and people of Turkey and offers her condolences to the bereaved families and wishes speedy recovery to the wounded.

She reiterates the AU's strong rejection of terrorism and violent extremism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances. She calls for continued international efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, which is a global threat to human and state security.