The African Union (AU) on Thursday expressed serious concern over what it called the deteriorating security situation in Mali following last week’s coordinated series of attacks in which defense minister Sadio Camara was killed.
The Malian transitional authorities announced on Sunday that Camara died following Saturday’s coordinated attacks, which targeted his residence with a vehicle bomb driven by a suicide attacker.
Camara was buried earlier on Thursday amid tension as the coalition of Islamist militants and separatists rebels partially blockade the capital Bamako.
In a statement, the AU’s Peace and Security Council condemned the killing of the Malian official and expressed deep concern over the widespread displacements of the population.
Expressing its concern over the “fast-deteriorating security situation” in Mali and the entire Sahel region, the council emphasised the importance of a wholistic approach in responding to the ”scourge of terrorism and violent extremism within the framework of collective security”.
The pan-African bloc said that all efforts to address the current crisis “must be comprehensive, multidimensional, and must fully respect Mali’s national sovereignty,” while supporting the restoration of stability and state authority throughout its territory.
The council urged the country’s transitional authorities to expedite the restoration of constitutional order to create conducive conditions for durable peace and stability, toward alleviating the suffering of the Malian people.
The council further highlighted the need for urgent mobilisation of a coordinated humanitarian response to address the needs of internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities, as well as to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations in the country.
MG/as/APA