African Union urges swift global action as Mali crisis deepens
AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the worsening violence threatens to overwhelm communities, disrupt essential supplies and intensify instability across the country.
The African Union Commission has called for immediate international action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Mali, warning that blockades and attacks by armed groups are leaving civilians in urgent need of assistance.
In a statement, AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the worsening violence threatens to overwhelm communities, disrupt essential supplies and intensify instability across the country.
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“H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expresses 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,” reads the statement.
Mahmoud condemned deliberate attacks targeting civilians, noting that they have resulted in significant loss of life and heightened instability.
“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 said.
The chairperson highlighted that jihadist groups have recently advanced in parts of Mali and were reportedly closing in on the capital, Bamako, raising fears of yet another coup in a country that has experienced repeated political upheavals.
Colonel Assimi Goita’s military government came to power following coups in August 2020 and May 2021.
Armed groups have imposed blockades on major highways, disrupting the flow of essential goods such as food, fuel and medicine, leading to shortages and price hikes.
Mahmoud also condemned the kidnapping of civilians, including three Egyptian nationals who remain in captivity. He warned that ransom payments are likely being used to fund insurgent operations and described the abductions as serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
“The Chairperson urges a robust, coordinated, and coherent international response to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel,” Mahmoud said, calling for enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing and support to affected states.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the African Union’s solidarity with Mali’s government, its citizens, and the families of those affected by the violence. He emphasised the AU’s commitment to supporting peace, security and development in the region.
Reports from humanitarian agencies indicate that thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, with many seeking safety in overcrowded temporary camps. Aid convoys attempting to deliver relief have also faced threats, limiting access to food, medicine and other essential supplies.
Frequent attacks, ambushes, and roadblocks have made travel between regions increasingly dangerous, while health centres in affected areas report shortages of basic medical supplies.
Mahmoud reiterated that the African Union stands ready to support Mali and other Sahel countries during this particularly challenging period, assisting in restoring stability and promoting peace across the region.
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