Chairperson of the African Union Commission AUC Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed “deep concern” over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Mali.
In a statement AUC issued over the weekend, the chairperson said the security situation in the West African country has deteriorated as terrorist groups have imposed blockades, disrupted access to essential supplies, and severely worsened humanitarian conditions for civilian populations.
The AUC said the chairperson firmly condemned the deliberate attacks against innocent civilians, which have resulted in loss of lives and heightened instability across affected regions.
The Chairperson also strongly condemned the recent kidnappings, including the abduction of three Egyptian nationals, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release. Such acts constitute grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Youssouf urged a robust, coordinated, and coherent international response to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel. He calls for enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing, and sustained support to affected States, in line with the Communiqué of the 1304th ministerial meeting of 30 September 2025.
AUC chairperson reaffirmed the African Union’s full readiness to support Mali, as well as all Sahel countries, during this particularly challenging period, by providing the necessary assistance to their efforts toward peace and stability.
MG/abj/APA