ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States : Statement by current ECOWAS chairman in the wake of the terrorist attack perpetrated in Ouagadougou on 15 January 2016

It is with profound outrage that I learnt of the terrorist attack perpetrated in the evening of 15 January 2016 at Splendid Hotel and Cappuccino Coffee-shop, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), which claimed several lives.

On behalf of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, I strongly condemn this heinous and cowardly act, and express our deepest sympathy and total solidarity with the people and Government of Burkina Faso at this very difficult moment. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

I equally wish to state that we consider the 15 January 2016 terrorist attack in Ouagadougou as directed against each of our countries and our entire Community. Consequently, we stand by Burkina Faso for the timely adoption and implementation of measures the situation calls for.

I take this opportunity to reaffirm that, more than ever, we are determined to root out terrorism in our region to guarantee peace, security and stability. To that end, we intend to intensify our fight against this scourge in consultation with the rest of the International Community.

Abuja, 16 January 2016.

H.E. Mr. Macky Sall

Current Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and

Government