Pretoria - The South African government on Friday described the terrorist attack at Garissa University College in Kenya, which left 147 dead and 79 wounded, as barbaric and cowardly.
“The South African Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack at Garissa University College in the Republic of Kenya on 02 April 2015 that resulted in the killing of about 147 people,” a statement from the department of international relations and co-operation said.
President Jacob Zuma expressed his shock and dismay following Thursday’s attack by Al-Shabaab militants.
“Terrorism in any form and from whichever quarter, cannot be condoned. South Africa stands firmly with the international community in condemning all terrorism, and stands in solidarity with Kenya,” Zuma said in a statement issued on behalf of his government.
South Africa would continue to support Kenya’s efforts to bring stability and democracy to neighbouring Somalia.
Garissa University is located in eastern Kenya, about 150 km inland from the Somalian border.
The attack, the bloodiest since the US Embassy bombing in 1998, was largely seen as retaliation for Kenya sending troops to fight in Somalia.
African News Agency