The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, has learned with great concern of the terrorist attack that occurred in the town of Boumerdes, in Algeria, on 19 August 2008. The attack highlights once again the gravity of the threat posed by terrorism to Africa.

The Chairperson unreservedly condemns this attack as well as all forms of terrorist actions, and reiterates Africa's commitment to address this scourge. The Chairperson offers his condolences to the Algerian people at this difficult time, and expresses his solidarity and that of the African people with the Government and people of Algeria.