Kenya, UAE and Saudi Denounce Attack in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa June 24, 2018 The governments of Kenya, UAE and Saudi Arabia condemned the attack that killed two persons and injured dozens. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who called the attack “cowardly and outrageous”, offered his condolences and solidarity to PM Abiy Ahmed and the people of Ethiopia. The President said that Kenya stood with Ethiopia during this time. “We stand with you, Prime Minister, and the people of Ethiopia against these cowardly people.” “We will never bow to those who carry out these heinous acts,” said Kenyatta, stressing the need to continue the change. The President urged PM Abiy to continue the task of uniting the Ethiopian people, ensuring the stability of the country and sustained growth of its economy, UAE, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has also condemned the attack. “The UAE condemns this criminal and coward act of terrorism, which seeks to undermine security and stability of Ethiopia and contravenes religious and human values and principles,” the statement said. It reiterated UAE’s “unequivocal stance and rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism which target all without distinction as to religion and race whatever their sources and pretexts”. The ministry also called the international community to join forces to confront and uproot this dangerous menace, which poses threat to world security and stability. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has condemned the attack and extended its condolences to the government and people of Ethiopia. In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated, the Kingdom's “categorical rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism”. It also reaffirmed the country's solidarity with Ethiopia against all attempts made to undermine its stability and security. The grenade attack in yesterday’s rally held in support of PM Abiy killed two persons and injured a total of 165 people.