NAIROBI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- African countries have condemned Friday's terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall in northwest Moscow, Russia, expressing their condolences and solidarity with Russia.

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said Saturday that the attack in which gunmen stormed the concert hall was shocking.

"I was shocked to learn of the horrific terror attack in Moscow, claiming many victims," Faki said on X, formerly Twitter. "Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and in solidarity with the people and government of the Russian Federation following this heinous attack that we condemn in the strongest terms."

The death toll from Friday's terrorist attack has risen to 137, the Investigative Committee of Russia said Sunday.

In a televised national address Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to identify and punish all those behind the attack and declared March 24 a day of national mourning.

The Tanzanian government offered its condolences to the government and people of Russia, and further denounced the heinous act.

"We join Russia and the international community in denouncing these heinous acts and reaffirming our commitment to combat terrorism globally," said the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in a statement Sunday.

Similarly, Kenya termed the terrorist attack barbaric, senseless, and a counter to all fundamental principles of shared humanity.

"We convey our deep sympathies to all those affected by this heinous act," Musalia Mudavadi, prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said via X on Saturday. "They are an assault on humanity's collective moral consciousness."

Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba on Saturday expressed deep sadness over the callous assault, emphasizing its disregard for human life.

"I join the international community in condemnation of this heinous act, which demonstrates complete disregard for human life," he said in a statement.

Ethiopia, through a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, termed the attack "barbaric and a heinous terrorist attack against innocent civilians."

Ethiopia also underscored that terrorism is a grave danger to humanity and requires the concerted efforts of countries around the world to prevent such loss of life, said the press release.

Clayson Monyela, head of public diplomacy in South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said the country condemns the act of terror.

"Condolences to the families of the victims, and we wish the injured speedy recoveries," he said via X on Saturday.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a statement, condemned the attack as he rejected all kinds of violence and extremism.

Mohamud on Saturday extended his heartfelt sympathies to Putin and the Russian people, stressing that the Somali government stands in solidarity with them during this time of sorrow. Enditem

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