- Title: VARIOUS: Africans react to attack on Togo soccer squad in Angola
- Date: 11th January 2010
- Summary: NEWSPAPER READING IN ARABIC: "TOGO NATIONAL TEAM LEFT ANGOLA" (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED MALE CAIRO RESIDENT, SAYING: "Of course, it is a disruption for the tournament. It is very bad accident but it was their (Togo) fault, because it is wrong to travel from one country to another by bus, especially when they aware of the dangers through that area. It was their faul
- Embargoed: 26th January 2010 12:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA91O1VHIUVJKVUEQHWZB6W4SKL
- Story Text: Africans reacted on Monday (January 11) to the deadly ambush on a bus carrying the Togo national soccer team as Angola authorities said two people had been arrested on suspicion of taking part in the attack in which two Togo delegation members were killed.
Provincial prosecutor Antonio Nito said in a statement the two suspects belonged to the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) -- a heavily militarised oil-producing province geographically separated from northern Angola.
The FLEC, which has being fighting for independence from Angola for over 30 years, claimed responsibility for the attack on Friday (January 8), which took place shortly after the Togo team's bus crossed from Congo Republic.
Johannesburg residents looked ahead to South Africa hosting the World Cup later this year.
"Already people have a perception about Africa that it is not safe, you understand, so if a game that is supposed to bring people together has been disrupted by this then it means people will think again, you know, coming to Africa is not safe," said one male resident.
"South Africa is South Africa. It is a very stable country. We do not have rebel wars," added Johannesburg resident Jay Solomon.
"They should not be scared to come to our country because they will be safe," said another Johannesburg resident, Matshepo Mananyetso.
In Abidjan, residents expressed concern for their own national team members, who are favoured to win the African Cup of Nations.
"This could have easily happened to Ivory Coast, or any club who takes part in CAN," said security guard Bekect Nimba.
"We are very worried for our team," added trader Dihio, who did not give his last name.
Angolan authorities are said to have boosted security around the African teams participating in the tournament.
In Lagos, where news of the attack and its latest developments were splashed across newspapers, Nigerians condemned the attacks.
"It doesn't show any sign of love or any sign of love for football in our continent," said Lagos businessman Sylvester Thomas.
"This act is condemnable and it's barbaric," added Lagos resident Emmanuel Anozie.
In Egypt, soccer fans also expressed concerns over the security of their own team.
"I'm worried from the Algerian supporters; they are forming a great number and this makes me worried," said one Cairo resident.
"Of course it is bad because each team participating in the tournament could pass by the same circumstances. The country itself is totally unsafe, there is no safety over there, so God protect our team," added another Cairo resident.
Togo's team were brought home by their government on Sunday (January 10) together with the bodies of their assistant coach and media officer to begin three days of mourning. The bus driver was also killed and Togolese goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale was stable in hospital in Johannesburg after being operated on for serious gunshot wounds, doctors said. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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