The President of the Republic of Liberia, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of condolence to the Government and people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire following the terrorist attack leading to the death of 16 people and the injury of several others at the Grand Bassam beach resort, near the Ivorian capital, Abidjan.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader, in her message to her Ivorian counterpart, His Excellency Mr. Alansane Ouattara, she expressed shock that such attack could happen in a neighborly and brotherly country; stating, “This attack has implications for the peace and security of the entire Mano River Basin and generates a sense of foreboding in our sub-region.”

“It is therefore with deep grief that I, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia, and in my own name, extend to the Government and people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, especially the families of the victims, our heartfelt condolences for the irreparable loss sustained,” she stated further.

President Sirleaf stressed that this senseless attack should strengthen the two countries’ individual national resolve, sub-regional as well as regional cooperation in combatting forces that threaten the peace and stability of the region.

The Liberian leader assured her Ivorian counterpart that during this difficult time of mourning, the Government and people of Liberia stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire.