The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned recent terrorist attacks in Niger and Mali that killed several soldiers and injured others.
In a statement, Mr Youssouf denounced the attack on 17 July against Nigerien troops on the Bankilaré–Téra road in the Tillabéri region, as well as the ambush of a Malian military convoy between Anéfis and Gao on 18 July.
He expressed concern over what he described as a resurgence of terrorist violence across the Sahel, warning that the attacks continue to pose a serious threat to both security forces and civilians in the region.
The AU chief extended condolences to the governments and people of Niger and Mali, as well as to the families of those killed. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery and paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives.
Mr Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s solidarity with countries in the Sahel, describing terrorism as a cross-border threat that requires a coordinated regional response.
He called for stronger cooperation among African states through improved intelligence-sharing, tighter border security, enhanced military coordination, efforts to disrupt terrorist financing and criminal networks, and closer judicial collaboration.
The AU chairperson also reiterated that combating terrorism remains one of the organisation’s priorities under existing African counter-terrorism agreements. He urged African countries and international partners to increase support for national and regional security initiatives, including providing sustainable funding for African-led operations.
Mr Youssouf said the African Union remained committed to supporting Sahel countries through political, diplomatic and institutional measures while respecting their sovereignty. He added that lasting peace and stability in the Sahel were essential to the security and development of the African continent as a whole.
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