Abidjan - Cote d'Ivoire — Council condemns in very strong terms the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Niger, including those which occurred in Agadez and Arlit on Thursday 23 May 2013 and resulted in loss of several lives.
These attacks against Niger and therefore against ECOWAS, are no doubt the fall- out of fighting in Northern Mali, and thus call for greater determination by the region and the international community in efforts to fight against terrorism.
Council expresses its support and solidarity with Niger in the fight against this scourge which threatens the peace and stability of the region and the the entire international community. Especially, it reaffirms the ECOWAS resolve to leave no stone unturned in ensuring peace and security in our region.
The ECOWAS Council of Ministers expresses its sincere condolence to H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou and the entire people of Niger at this difficult and painful time.