AFRICAN UNION
UNIAO AFRICANA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, P.O.Box 3243 Tel.: (251-11) 5513 822 Fax: (251-11) 5519 321
Email: situationroom@africa-union.org
PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL 499™ MEETING
23 APRIL 2015
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
PSC/PR/BR.(CDXCVIX)
PRESS STATEMENT
PRESS STATEMENT
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 499^ meeting, held on 23 April 2015, adopted the following press statement on the killing of 30 innocent Ethiopians by terrorists affiliated to the Islamic State (ISIS- Da' esh) in Libya, as shown in a propaganda video clip released on 19 April 2015.
Council expressed its profound shock and sorrow at this heinous and criminal act, and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Ethiopia, as well as to the families of the victims of this horrible act. Council strongly condemned this horrible act aimed at innocent African migrant workers, and reaffirmed AU's total rejection of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Council underlined that the killing of Ethiopian citizens and earlier similar acts, including against Egyptian and other African citizens, are a further illustration of the seriousness of the prevailing situation in Libya. In this respect, Council noted with utmost concern the total collapse of state institutions in Libya and the increasing presence of terrorist groups in the country, some of which are affiliated to the Islamic State.
Council reiterated the imperative for renewed, vigorous and coordinated African and international efforts to address the situation in Libya, facilitate the establishment of effective governance structures, restore security and eliminate all terrorist and criminal groups operating in that country.
Council agreed to dispatch a delegation, to be led by its Chairperson for April 2015 and comprising one representative from the five regions of Africa, to express its full solidarity and that of the entire African continent to the Ethiopian people and Government. In this context, the delegation will also consult with the Ethiopian authorities on the best ways and means for effectively addressing the terrorism threat and the current situation in Libya.