AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said Sunday he was “deeply concerned” by escalating violence across several regions, warning that the situation risks further destabilizing the Sahel if left unchecked.
In a statement, Youssouf condemned recent deadly assaults on civilians and expressed solidarity with the Malian people as they grapple with mounting insecurity, shortages and widespread disruption of basic services.
He also denounced a series of kidnappings, including the abduction of three Egyptian nationals, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. Such acts, he said, constitute blatant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Youssouf urged the international community to adopt a “robust and coordinated” approach to help Mali and other Sahel states confront terrorism and violent extremism. He appealed for stronger intelligence sharing, deeper cooperation and sustained support to governments in the region.
The AU chairperson reaffirmed that the bloc stands ready to assist Mali in efforts to restore stability and protect civilians.
The latest surge in violence — carried out by militants linked to Daesh/ISIS — has crippled daily life in parts of Mali, forcing authorities to close schools and universities as the country battles overlapping power, humanitarian and security crises.
The United States, United Kingdom and France have all advised their citizens to leave Mali and urged against travel as attacks intensify and key roads remain unsafe.