African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has condemned deadly terrorist attacks in Niger and Mali that killed numerous soldiers, warning of a resurgence of extremist violence across the Sahel and calling for stronger regional cooperation to counter the growing threat.
In a statement, Youssouf denounced the July 17 attack on a Nigerien Armed Forces unit along the Bankilaré–Téra axis in the Tillabéri Region and the July 18 ambush targeting a Malian Armed Forces convoy between Anéfis and Gao.
He expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of terrorist attacks in the Sahel, saying the violence continues to exact a heavy toll on both security forces and civilians.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with the States and peoples of the Sahel, who continue to face a terrorist threat that undermines the security, stability and development prospects of the entire region,” the statement said.
Youssouf extended condolences to the governments and people of Niger and Mali, as well as to the families of the victims, and wished those injured a swift recovery. He also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives while defending their countries.
The AU chief affirmed that terrorism remains a transnational challenge requiring a coordinated continental response based on African solidarity and shared responsibility.
He called for enhanced intelligence-sharing, stronger border security, greater operational coordination, intensified efforts to disrupt criminal and terrorist financing networks, and closer judicial cooperation among countries in the region.
Youssouf also reiterated that combating terrorism remains a priority for the African Union under its counterterrorism framework, urging African countries and international partners to increase support for national and regional security efforts through predictable and sustainable financing for African-led initiatives.
He reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Sahel countries through political, diplomatic and institutional engagement, while respecting their sovereignty and national priorities, stressing that peace and stability in the Sahel are essential to the security and development of the African continent as a whole.
