Ouattara calls for calm after terrorist attack

Ivory Coast President, Alassane Ouattara; has urged citizens to be calm following Sunday’s attack at the Grand Bassam tourist resort which left at least 18 people dead.

Ouattara declared three days of national mourning and said security had been tightened at the country’s borders.

“Don’t be afraid. You can go on with your activities because our forces are in control of the situation and security is guaranteed across the territory,” Allassane Ouattarra said.

Ivory Coast vows regional cooperation in terror fightback: Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara pledged to work… https://t.co/w0zk7hUcuc

— Paris Journal (@Paris_Journal) March 15, 2016

There are fears the Grand Bassam attack could have a negative impact on tourism. However, Ouattara assured that the West African nation remained focused on its economic goal.

“Yes, Ivory Coast is standing up to fight the cowards and protect its people. We will not let the terrorists slow down our march towards development. On the contrary, these acts strengthen our vision of a united Ivory Coast which grows in order to improve the daily life of every Ivory Coast citizen,“Ouattara said.

Al Qaeda’s branch in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility for the attack which left 15 civilians and three security forces dead. Three terrorists were also killed in the assault.

Out of the 33 people wounded , 26 were still receiving medical attention on Monday, Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said.