The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has condemned the coordinated attacks carried out last Saturday against several localities across northern, central and southern Mali.
“These attacks are a stark reminder that terrorism and violent extremism continue to pose a serious threat to Mali, the Sahel and the African continent as a whole,” Youssouf said in a statement issued on Monday.
He also reiterated the AU’s full solidarity with the government and people of Mali during this difficult time.
He underscored the need to strengthen collective efforts to advance peace, security and stability, in full respect of international humanitarian law and with constant attention to the protection of civilians.
He extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his deep sympathy to all those affected by these attacks.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting the efforts of the Malian authorities, as well as regional and continental initiatives aimed at combating terrorism and promoting lasting peace and stability in Mali and across the Sahel.
The Malian Armed Forces, in a statement on Saturday, said that attacks against several military positions in the country earlier in the day were repelled and that the situation was “fully under control.”
The West African country has faced a volatile security situation for years, with frequent attacks by armed groups, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country.
In April, Mali’s Defense Minister Sadio Camara was killed in an attack on his residence in the town of Kati, near the capital Bamako, carried out by armed terrorist groups.
MG/as/APA