Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, has strongly condemned the attack carried out by South Sudanese armed group in the Gambella regional state of Ethiopia, on the border with South Sudan.

The chairperson "condemns in the strongest terms the criminal attack carried out by South Sudanese armed elements in the Jakawa area of the Gambella region of Ethiopia, on 15 April 2016, killing 208 people and abducting 102 women and children," said an AU statement on Monday.

The top official has expressed AU's heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

She has assured the government and people of Ethiopia of AU's full solidarity and support in these difficult circumstances.

Dlamini-Zuma has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the women and children abducted from Ethiopia.

The chairperson looks forward to joint efforts by the Governments of South Sudan and Ethiopia to bring to justice those who committed this despicable act, said the statement.

Source: XINHUA