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Reactions to USA Attacks

Many Africans have condemned the attacks on the USA (September 11th 2001). However, some Muslim groups in northern Nigeria have been celebrating. Groups opposed to the US policy in the Middle East say it is now paying the consequences.

Church leaders in Kenya, including the Catholics, Anglicans and Presbyterians among others, have planned a public ecumenical prayer service for Thursday September 14th, 2001, at Nairobi's Uhuru Park, to pray for the victims, relatives, and for the leadership in USA to respond to this crisis with wisdom and restraint.

The Vice President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference and Archbishop of Ibadan, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job said, "It is a very said event. It is not just an attack on America. It is an attack on humanity. To think of such a building where about 50,000 people work daily been attacked and destroyed 50,000 people, not to talk of the number of passengers in the commercial planes that were used to attack the building. It is a sad case. It is very sad for humanity." Many Kenyans are being reminded of the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi. They have received the news with shock. Others are concerned about friends and family living in the USA.

All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) acting General Secretary, Arnold Temple: "That was very bad. We condemn all forms of terrorism."

People in Kenya offered sympathy, while others urged Americans to understand why US Middle East Policy makes them easy targets.

Sierra Leone's Information Minister: "People are flabbergasted." He said that people are crowded around radio sets and televisions for the latest news.

Kenya's President Daniel arap Moi said that terrorism could never be the basis for the solution of any conflict. But some Kenyans who feel that the USA should pay compensation for the injuries they suffered will watch closely how US victims are treated. Kenya will not sever diplomatic ties with Israel, but supports Palestine's right to self-determination.

"Maybe the Americans will now get a taste of what we went through," said Consolata Wanjiru Mugo, who was injured in the Kenyan blast. "They will feel what it was like as innocent people to be attacked in this way. It will be quite interesting to see how they treat their own people, compared to the way they have treated us."

Tanzania's Foreign Minister says: "Having suffered terrorist attacks ourselves, we feel and understand what the Americans must be experiencing".

South Africa Airways has responded by immediately cancelling all flights to the USA. The militant Muslim group, People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) declined to comment on the US attacks.

Egypt's President Mubarak has sent his condolences to the American people, calling the attacks "horrific" and "unimaginable".

The Governments of Ghana and Sierra Leone have also expressed their condolences. Libya's leader, President Gaddafi, has described the bombings in the USA as "terrifying". He has appealed to the entire world to put humanitarian ahead of political considerations during conflicts, and has called for the mobilisation of humanitarian assistance towards the bombing victims.

President Wade of Senegal has expressed shock and indignation at the presumed terrorist strike in the USA.

From the RDC Congo, President Kabila has sent a condolence message to President Bush. Burkina Faso: The Inter-Parliamentary Union currently meeting in Ouagadougou has expressed "consternation" following the terrorist attacks.

Also President Compaore has condemned the terrorist attacks.

Mozambique has strongly condemned the terrorist attack and offered its solidarity with the US and people, particularly with the victims and their families.

Cape Verde, Sudan, Mali, Benin, Morocco and many other countries have offered their condolences.

Bishop Ambrose Ravasi, Marsabit Diocese, Kenya: "That is a terrible thing! Unheard of. Should never be expected. We condemn it, yes; but as for retaliation, No. That will only worsen the situation. Let them find those who are culpable."

An official at Jamia Mosque, Nairobi, Kenya: "It was a horrible scene."

Brother Andre, of the Divine Word Missionaries serving in Kenya: "I grieve. I grieve because this terrorist incident will only serve to harden the hearts of the American people. They will cease to try to understand the troubles of the world from a larger perspective, but rather be more convinced than ever that the larger world is the enemy -- and they will DEMAND REVENGE. O GOD! Where do we go from here???"

Mr Rai, an official at Hindu Council of Kenya: "That is a very sorry thing that has happened. I have no words to express it. It could have been our own people who there at the WTC; it could be anyone and not just the Americans, like what happened in Nairobi a few years back." (a roundup by CISA, ANB, and other sources)

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