AU, UN condemn deadly Mali attacks as 21 soldiers killed in Al-Qaeda-linked raid
Youssouf strongly condemned the coordinated assaults on Malian army positions in Farabougou and Biriki-Were in the Ségou region On August 19, 2025, and expressed solidarity with Mali and its citizens “during this painful time.”
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to support Mali and all its member states in combating terrorism and violent extremism.
His statement followed last week’s deadly attack in Mali that left 21 soldiers dead, two kidnapped, and resulted in the seizure of 15 military vehicles and more than 50 weapons during what was described as a “wide-scale” operation.
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In a statement released on Thursday, Youssouf strongly condemned the coordinated assaults carried out on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, against Malian army positions in Farabougou and Biriki-Were in the Ségou region. He also expressed his solidarity with Mali and its citizens “during this painful time.”
“The Chairperson of the Commission reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the African Union to support Mali and all its Member States in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism, which continue to threaten peace, security, and stability on the continent,” the statement read.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mahamat Saleh Annadif, head of the UN Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), also condemned the assault. He emphasised that such violence would not derail the joint efforts of the Malian Government and its partners in pursuit of peace and security.
He noted that “at a time when the Government of Mali and its friends are pooling their efforts to overcome a security crisis with deleterious effects on the Sahel, these acts from another era cannot undermine our commitment and determination.”
“The UN will spare no effort in supporting the G5-Sahel and the Malian army in their mission to fight terrorism,” he added.
MINUSMA provided aerial support to strengthen the G5-Sahel Force—a coalition of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger- in Boulikessi and also evacuated the injured.
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