Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson of the High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
On the heinous attacks in Burkina Faso
New York –17 February 2019
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr, Miguel Angel Moratinos strongly condemns the brutal murder of a Spanish priest and four customs officers in Burkina Faso on Friday, February 15,2019. The Spanish Salesian Antonio Cesar Fernandez was assassinated by armed men as he was returning from a meeting in Togo. In a separate attack, gunmen targeted customs officers near the border with Togo. The High-Representative notes that the innocent victims had been killed while performing their duties.
More than 300 people have been killed in Burkina Faso by Jihadists in the past four years.
Mr. Moratinos strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and violent extremism and re-affirms the commitment of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations to promote tolerance, respect of the other, understanding and peaceful dialogue.
The High Representative expresses his heartfelt condolences to the victims families.