Pretoria - The ongoing terror attacks make it imperative that global action be taken to stop terrorism and deal with its root cause, says President Jacob Zuma.
On Friday, about 132 people died in simultaneous shootings and explosions at restaurants, the Bataclan concert hall and the national stadium in Paris, France. There were also attacks in Lebanon and Turkey.
Countries in the Middle East and in Africa, such as Nigeria and Kenya, have experienced attacks as well.
“South Africa remains firm in its condemnation of all forms of terrorism and we pledge our support for countering this threat within the framework of the United Nations,” said President Zuma in his toast remarks during an official visit by Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The President said interference in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa, coupled with the use of military force to solve problems continues to cause instability and endless conflict.
“We know as well that Europe is facing difficulties through the increasing numbers of refugees, many of whom are fleeing conflicts. It is important not to conflate the migration and terrorism issues and not to label all refugees as terrorists.
“It is a difficult period for Europe and also the Middle East and parts of Africa. It is also a difficult period for the world at large because peace is indivisible,” he said.
President Zuma said Africa is already doing its bit to tackle terror groups on the continent.
“The African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC) and the multinational African Standby Force successfully held its first joint exercise in South Africa in October 2015.
“The force has been established by the African Union to intervene when conflicts arise.” - SAnews.gov.za
