President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered condolences to the Senegalese government and people, following the tragic bus accident that took place in the early hours of 8 January 2023. 

The accident, which took place in Senegal’s central Kaffrine region, resulted in the 40 deaths and 80 injuries. 

Following the tragic incident, the government of the Republic of Senegal declared a three- day period of national mourning which would see flags flown at half-mast. In a statement issued by the Senegalese government, the three-day national mourning began on Monday, with the country’s president, Macky Sall, having made a visit to the scene of the accident. 

 “On behalf of the people of South Africa, the government and myself, I wish to extend our condolences to my dear brother, President Macky Sall, his government, the bereaved families and the people of Senegal for their tragic loss,” President Ramaphosa said. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time of mourning their loved ones.”