The African Regional Organisation of the International Trades Union Confederation (ITUC Africa) representing over sixteen million working families in Africa condemns in the strongest terms the terror attacks and standoff at Westgate shopping mall by Al-Shabab elements pursuing extreme religious and anti-people goals.

We are shocked and saddened by the audacity of the attack in which sixty nine (69) innocent lives have been lost, over 170 injured and several hostages held over the last few days.

ITUC-Africa expresses deep sympathy and condolences to the Kenyan people and the families of all those who have been killed and injured including non-Kenyan nationals.

We ask that this incidence should be investigated with the view to identify, prosecute and punish those who have perpetrated, sponsored and supported this heinous attack.

We salute the sense of solidarity and patriotism of the Kenyan people who have risen to the occasion in unity by rallying round their government, security forces and those directly affected by the attack. By refusing to show fear and panic but instead uniting to collectively manage this crisis, the Kenyan people have defeated the essence of the attack, which is to instill fear and pandemonium amongst the populace.

ITUC Africa endorses the Kenyan government’s strong resolve in fighting terrorism by Al-Shabab and any other terror elements on its territory and in Eastern Somalia. We salute the commitment and sense of duty and bravery of the men and women of the Kenyan security agencies who participated in the exercise to defeat this senseless attack.

ITUC Africa also throws its full support behind the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which is aimed at eradicating terrorism in all its forms in the Horn of Africa and in ensuring that Somalia is afforded an environment in which it can rebuild its institutions of governance.

This terrible attack again compels us to restate our call for the design and implementation of proactive security architecture for the continent which African governments and the Africa Union should prioritize.

Issued in Accra, 23 September 2013