President Zuma concerned over armed group activities

(Image: GCIS)

President Zuma's calls come in the wake of recent incidents involving the abduction of 200 girls in Nigeria and the Kenya bomb attacks that left 10 people dead last week.

He said the AU's Standby Force needs capacity, and South Africa is looking forward to the next African Union Peace and Security Council gathering to discuss the security situation on the continent.

"It is crucial to build a stronger and a well-resourced African Union to take forward the promotion of peace, security and the socio-economic advancement of the continent," Zuma said.

"Part of the capacity needed by the AU is the establishment of the African Standby Force for rapid deployment in crisis areas without delays."

The President also spoke out on the abduction of school children in Nigeria by the armed group, Boko Haram, calling on the kidnappers to release the children without further delay.

Regarding the recent bombing and killing of civilians in Kenya, President Zuma said the targeting of unarmed and innocent civilians was deplorable.

On Friday, a bomb attack at a Nairobi market left 10 people dead and scores wounded.

"The South African Government reiterates its condemnation of all forms and manner of terrorism. South Africa believes that terrorism, in any form and from whichever quarter, cannot be condoned," said President Zuma.

He has also called on the people of the Central African Republic to work towards peace in their country.

"The people of the CAR have endured enough strife and conflict. We urge all leaders in the CAR to unite the people behind a common vision of peaceful co-existence and national unity."

He reiterated his full support for the African Union International Support Mission to the Central African Republic, while calling on all parties in the Central African Republic to cooperate fully with the Mission.

President Zuma said South Africa, as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), looks forward to the next meeting of the AUPSC to discuss the security situation of all these sister countries and collectively find solutions to the challenges they are facing.