President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his shock and dismay at the attack at a political rally in Ethiopia which left one person dead and scores more injured.
The Presidency said in a statement on Sunday that the South African government “strongly condemned this cowardly attack”.
The attack occurred on Saturday at a rally in Addis Ababa which was held in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's reform agenda.
“The President expresses his sincere condolences to the families and friends for the loss of their loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Presidency said.
“President Ramaphosa joins the African Union in expressing South Africa’s full solidarity with the Government and people of Ethiopia and President Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to create unity, reconciliation, peace and democracy in Ethiopia,” it added.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa, as chairperson of the Southern Africa Development Community, also had strong words about the bomb attack at a political rally in Zimbabawe addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
President Ramaphosa said “acts of violence and criminality have no place in the democratic process of any sovereign state within the SADC region”.
He said it was vital that the political and security situation in Zimbabwe remains stable in the run-up to the general elections to be held on 30 July.
The President said the SADC Troika Meeting confirmed the state of readiness and support for all countries going into elections.
“President Ramaphosa said Zimbabwe is ready for elections and SADC will provide all necessary support. The President said he will consult with the Chair of the Organ and ensure that appropriate protection is provided ahead of the elections”.
