Several African leaders on Saturday sent messages of support and condolence to the French government and people of France following the deadly Paris attacks. At least 128 people were killed and 300 wounded in six separate attacks at a concert hall, restaurants and the national stadium.

Advertising Read more

“Deeply shocked, deeply angered by these attacks,” said Manoah Esipisu, spokesperson for Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta. “Any place on earth that is hit, we feel for them.”

“Kenya obviously has been a victim of terror attacks from time to time and we feel solidarity with France,” said Esipisu, referring to the attack on Garissa University this year and Westgate Mall in 2013.

Uganda has also been a victim of attacks, notably the bombing of a bar in Kampala during the 2010 World Cup which left 74 dead.

“We know very well and our condolences and sincere sympathies go to the families,” Oryem Okello, Uganda’s acting foreign minister, told RFI. “We know exactly what they’re going through and we wish them all the very best, we stand by them in this challenging time.”

Tanzania’s foreign minister Bernard Membe told RFI that he had “total disbelief” when he learnt about the attack on Friday evening.

“It was a great shock and we condemn this most strongly, send our messages to the bereaved families, that our prayers are with them,” said Membe. “These terrorist attacks should not discourage the French government or any other government from taking action.”

South Africa’s government was also critical of the attacks.

“South Africa stands firmly with the rest of the international community in its condemnation of attacks targeting innocent civilians,” said Clayson Monyela, South Africa’s foreign affairs spokesman. “Terrorism in whatever form and from whatever quarter cannot be condoned.”

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe