FEMNET In Solidarity with Victims of Garissa Attack, Kenya

African Women's Development and Communication Network, FEMNET would like to express solidarity with the people of Kenya in the wake of the terror attack at Garissa University College. Like the rest of the world, we are horrified by the events that took place in Garissa and recognize its impact not only on Kenya but also on the global community.

As a pan African women's rights organization with over 400 members across Africa and the Diaspora, we join regional and global voices in condemning this heinous act of terrorism that has left 148 innocent civilians, promising young leaders dead. This act of violence has no justification and like all other forms of violence must be condemned. Even sadder is that this attack comes just days before the world commemorates the one year anniversary of the abduction of hundreds of girls in Chibok, Nigeria, whom we have not forgotten and continue to call for their immediate release and rescue. Both events took place at institutions of learning and were a result of fundamentalisms and extremisms that have no place in our world.

At this difficult time, we would like to urge the government of Kenya to;

1. Uphold human rights principles in resolving this and similar acts of terrorism,
2. Urgently provide much needed material and psycho-social support to the affected communities and families, and
3. Provide security to the University College and other institutions across the country in a way to restore confidence.

In the spirit of #WeAreOne that emerged following the Westgate tragedy in 2013, we trust that a consultative process will be instituted by the Kenyan government involving citizens; men, women and youth in defining a common vision for security in Kenya. A vision that we hope will be shaped by the tenets of human security and underpinned by the rule of law. We trust that the spirit of humanity that has been expressed locally will be sustained as efforts evolve to deal with fundamentalisms and extremisms in the region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones. We pray for a quick recovery for those who have been injured and peace of mind for those who've been traumatized.

In Solidarity. #WeAreOne #147notjustanumber

For more information, please contact:
Nebila Abdulmelik
Head of Communications, FEMNET
communication@femnet.or.ke
+25472566932