AUC Chairperson calls for urgent international action as Mali's crisis escalates
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Mali, where terrorist groups have imposed blockades, disrupted access to essential supplies, and severely worsened humanitarian conditions for civilian populations.
“The Chairperson firmly condemns the deliberate attacks against innocent civilians, which have resulted in unacceptable loss of life and heightened instability across affected regions. He reaffirms his solidarity with the Government and people of Mali, as well as with the families of the victims, and reiterates the African Union’s unwavering commitment to supporting peace, security, and development across the Sahel,” a statement issued by the African Union said.
It said the Chairperson also strongly condemned the recent kidnappings, including the abduction of three Egyptian nationals, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
Mr. Youssouf said such acts constitute grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
He urged a robust, coordinated, and coherent international response to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.
Mr. Youssouf also called 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.
He reaffirmed the AU'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.
A number of Western countries, including France, United Kingdom and the US, have advised their nationals to temporarily leave Mali as the blockade by an armed group worsens life in the country.
The al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has since September been targeting fuel tankers, particularly those coming from Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, through which the majority of landlocked Mali’s imported goods transit, according to media reports.
-0- PANA MA 10Nov2025
