The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed his “deep sadness” and condolences to the Algerian government and people.
This followed the fires that have claimed lives, left many injured, and displaced several communities in various provinces across Algeria.
In a statement released after these devastating fires, the AU Commission Chairperson offered his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also commended the mobilisation of the Algerian authorities, emergency services, and all first responders involved in fighting the fires and protecting the affected populations.
“The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s solidarity with Algeria during this difficult time,” the statement emphasised, highlighting the need for a collective response to the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters on the continent.
For the pan-African organisation, the severity of these fires underscores the urgent need to strengthen mechanisms for preventing, alerting, and responding to natural disasters, as several regions of Africa are increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change and extreme weather events.
The AU is therefore calling for increased collective action to better anticipate risks, protect populations, and strengthen the resilience of African countries to the consequences of climate change.
Forest fires pose a growing challenge for several countries on the continent, particularly in the Mediterranean regions of North Africa, where high temperatures, drought, and winds promote the rapid spread of fires.
Through this message, the African Union reaffirms its support for Algeria and reiterates the need for strengthened continental cooperation in the face of disasters whose human, social, and
environmental consequences are becoming increasingly significant.
TE/Sf/fss/as/APA