TORONTO, Canada, January 18, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement concerning the deaths of more than 20 civilians, including six Canadians, in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed in yesterday’s attack in Ouagadougou, among them Canadian aid workers and volunteers, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.
“Canada condemns in the strongest terms any act that threatens the safety of civilians, including those who strive to improve the lives of vulnerable people around the world. Working in challenging and dangerous situations, their efforts to create lasting ties between peoples while building a more just and peaceful world will never cease.
“We stand with Burkina Faso and its people at this difficult time.
“This attack is yet again another reminder of the danger terrorism poses around the world and the need to work with partners to deal with global threats.
“Canadian officials are currently working with local authorities and are providing consular services to the families of Canadians affected.”
Canadian citizens in Burkina Faso requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Ouagadougou at +226 25 49 08 00 or call the Global Affairs Canada 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre collect at +1 613 996 8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.
