Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a solemn display of solidarity and compassion, Eswatini has extended its deepest condolences to the Russian Federation following the tragic mass shooting incident that rocked Moscow, claiming the lives of at least 93 individuals and leaving over 140 others injured.
In an official statement by acting Prime Minister Manqoba Khumalo, he conveyed profound sympathies on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, government, and the people of Eswatini.
The heartfelt message expressed unwavering support and empathy for the grieving families and friends of the victims, with prayers for solace and strength during this period of profound loss.
The statement underscored the country’s firm stance against terrorism, calling for enhanced international collaboration to combat such heinous acts of violence.
Emphasising the urgent need for lasting solutions to prevent the senseless targeting of innocent civilians, Khumalo urged concerted efforts to thwart the ideologies that fuel such brutality, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, compassion, and international cooperation in the face of adversity.
Diplomatic relations between Eswatini and the Russian Federation were established on November 19, 1999
Russian officials were also part of election observers and the country was also invited to observe the Russian elections.
Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov was in the country last year and pledged security training to ensure improved security.
“Russia is prepared to assist Eswatini in training of security personnel, improving food production and also assistance on other issues of mutual cooperation,” said Lavrov, who also met His Majesty King Mswati III in Turkiye on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Meanwhile, gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall killing at least 115 people and injuring 187 in a brazen attack claimed by the ISIL (ISIS) group.
At least five camouflage-clad gunmen with automatic weapons burst into the packed concert hall in the Russian capital’s western suburbs on Friday night as the audience was gathering to watch the veteran rock band Picnic, shooting into the crowd and setting off explosives that started a massive fire.
At least 115 people have been confirmed killed, Russia’s Investigative Committee said on Saturday, adding that the number of victims was expected to rise further.
At least 187 people including eight children were injured.
Health officials earlier said 60 of the injured were in critical condition.
ISIL, the hardline group that once sought control over Iraq and Syria, claimed responsibility for the attack on its Telegram channel, saying the gunmen had escaped. It was not possible to independently verify the claim.
On Saturday, a spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee said it was too early to say anything about the fate of the attackers, state news agency RIA reported.
The concert hall, one of the most popular in Moscow, can hold some 6,200 people. Alexei, a music producer, was about to settle into his seat ahead when he said he heard “several machineguns bursts” and “a lot of screams”.
“I realised right away that it was automatic gunfire and understood that most likely it’s the worst: a terrorist attack,” Alexei told the AFP news agency, declining to share his full name.
As people ran towards the emergency exits, ‘there was a terrible crush’ with concertgoers climbing on one another’s heads to get out, he added.
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