The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has learnt with deep shock and outrage the terrorist attack perpetrated in the evening of 15 January 2016 at Hôtel Splendid of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), which claimed several lives.

It firmly condemns this terrorist act and expresses its deepest sympathy and total solidarity to the people and Government of Burkina Faso in this ordeal unjustly imposed on them.

Furthermore, the ECOWAS Commission pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the attack and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

The ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its determination to relentlessly confront any form of terrorism in the region.

In conjunction with the Government of Burkina Faso and its partners, it is closely monitoring the situation arising from this attack with the aim of adopting and implementing all necessary measures.

Done in Abuja, this 16th day of January 2016.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission