By Addis Getachew
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – The chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomed reports of the release of 79 schoolchildren who were abducted from their school in Cameroon.
“I share the relief of the parents for the safe return of their children, and their rapid release to safety. I call for the immediate release of the members of staff,” Moussa Faki Mahamat said in statement on Wednesday.
The students were abducted along with teaching staff by armed men in the Northwest Region of the country earlier this week.
He expressed concern at the continued violence in the Northwest and Southwest regions and called for renewed efforts to address the situation through an inclusive dialogue.
The mysterious abduction sent shockwaves across Africa, evoking memories of a similar kidnapping by Boko Haram in Nigeria two years ago.
