African leaders in solidarity with Russia after ISIS terror attack

Several African leaders have expressed solidarity with Russia following Friday's bloody terror attack in Moscow, which has left at least 115 people dead and more than 100 injured.

Camouflaged gunmen opened fire at the packed Crocus City Hall in Moscow's northern suburb of Krasnogorsk on Friday evening, ahead of a concert by Soviet-era rock band Piknik, in the deadliest attack in Russia for at least a decade.

Kenyan President William Ruto had not issued a statement by press time on Saturday, but the Foreign Affairs ministry earlier pledged support for President Vladimir Putin's country.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the prime cabinet secretary, said the "senseless" incident "is barbaric and counter to all fundamental principles of our shared humanity".

Mudavadi added that "acts of terrorism and violent extremism are unjustifiable and inexcusable" and "an assault on humanity’s collective moral consciousness."

"In these difficult circumstances, Kenya stands in solidarity with the resilient people and government of Russia and hopes for a quick recovery for all affected by this vile attack," he said.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singo'ei said the terror attack was a stark reminder of the threat terrorism poses globally.

"We condemn this horrendous and senseless attack on civilians and urge greater international cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism. A fragmented and unravelling global order only aids the machinations of perpetrators of terror," he said.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, a country plagued by attacks by Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab terrorists, also affirmed Mogadishu's solidarity with the Russian people and denounced all forms of violence and terrorism.

"The Somali government stands in solidarity with the Russian people at this difficult time and rejects all forms of violence and terrorism," read a statement from Villa Somalia.

It conveyed Hassan's deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragic event.

Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, similarly condemned the ambush, declaring his solidarity with the Russian people.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Moscow, which killed innocent citizens and injured others. I express my condolences to the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," the Burundian leader posted on his X handle.

Former African Union Chairperson and Comorian leader Azali Assoumani also joined the global chorus in condemning the "cowardly attack against innocent individuals" in Moscow.

"I join the rest of the world in condemning, with the greatest firmness, the cowardly attack perpetrated against innocent people in a concert hall in Moscow, leaving more than 60 dead and dozens injured," Azali tweeted.

Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of the Mali junta, which has close ties to Moscow, also expressed "profound sorrow" at the cowardly and barbaric terrorist attack against the Russian people.

Thus far, Russia says it has arrested 11 people, including four gunmen, over the attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment publicly on the attack, and Moscow has not addressed the Islamic State's claim of responsibility, even as some lawmakers point to a possible Ukraine connection.

Some Russian lawmakers, as well as former President Dmitry Medvedev, have also evoked a possible Ukrainian connection, without providing evidence.

Kyiv has denied the claims.