The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, expresses his profound shock and sadness at the attack at the Brak Al-Shati air base in southern Libya killing over 140 people and wounding many more.

The Chairperson condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the attack and the tragic loss of life as a complete outrage committed not only against the people of Libya but would also further undermine efforts to bring peace and stability to the country.

 On this tragic occasion, the Chairperson offers his condolences to the people of Libya and the families of those slain and wounded in the attack. This is all the more appalling coming when the African Union and the international community at large are making concerted efforts to make sure that all the Libyan parties would work together to promote political dialogue which can reverse the cycle of violence plaguing the country and complete Libya’s transition towards democracy and the rule of law.

 The AU will continue to do its utmost in assisting all Libyan stakeholders to bring peace and stability to their country and appeal to all concerned to bring the perpetrators of this horrible crime to justice.

The Chairperson, while condemning this horrible attack, reiterates his unflinching support to the people of Libya and further pledges AU’s commitment to assist in the ongoing political dialogue through the AU High Representative for Libya, Former President Jakaya Kikwete and the AU High Level Committee for Libya, Chaired by His Excellency Denis Sassou-Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo. It is imperative that the political process be completed at the earliest time possible so as the people of Libya embark on a peace agenda aimed at restoring the country to normalcy and sustainable peace.