Pohamba condemns Cabinda attack

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba says last week’s attack on the Togolese football team in Angola’s Cabinda enclave was the work of cowards.

Pohamba, who attended the opening ceremony of the 2010 Africa Nations Cup on Sunday, said he was shocked and dismayed by the shooting incident which cost the lives of three Togolese team members and resulted in several other injuries.’The African Cup of Nations is regarded as a social event within the continent whose aim is to strengthen unity among the African people and thereby further strengthens peace, friendship and stability on the African continent,’ Pohamba said in a statement signed by Minister of Presidential Affairs Albert Kawana.He expressed condolences to the Togolese government and wished the injured players a quick recovery.A bus carrying the Togolese team was attacked after it crossed into Angola from Congo Republic.The assistant coach, media officer and the bus driver were killed while the goalkeeper had to be rushed to South Africa for medical treatment.As a result of the attack, the Togolese government recalled the team.Angolan authorities announced that they have arrested two people suspected to have had a hand in the attack.Pohamba, South Africa’s Jacob Zuma, Congo Republic’s Dennis Sassou-Nguessou, Zambia’s Ruphia Banda, Ali Bongo from Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo leader Joseph Kabila all attended the opening ceremony on Sunday.