Terrorism in Sahel demands coordinated response — African Union

The African Union (AU) has condemned the terrorist attacks that targeted the armed forces of Niger and Mali on July 17 and 18.

The continental body described the incidents as a serious setback to security and stability in the Sahel region.

The attacks claimed the lives of several soldiers and left many others injured.

On Friday, July 17, militants targeted a detachment of the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) in the Tillabéri Region. The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 soldiers.

Similarly, on Saturday, July 18, a convoy of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) was ambushed by insurgents between Anéfis and Gao.

Reacting to this in a statement issued by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the continental body expressed concern over the resurgence of terrorist activities across the Sahel and extended condolences to the governments, people and families of those affected.

"The Chairperson expresses his deep concern over the resurgence of terrorist attacks across the Sahel, which continue to exact a heavy toll on defence and security forces as well as on civilian populations," the statement read in part.

The AU reaffirmed its solidarity with the countries of the Sahel and noted that terrorism remains a transnational threat that requires coordinated action among African states.

It called for stronger regional cooperation in intelligence-sharing, border security, operational coordination, judicial cooperation and efforts to disrupt terrorist financing and criminal networks.

The Commission also urged African countries and international partners to renew support for national and regional counter-terrorism efforts through sustainable financing for African-led initiatives.

"The security of the Sahel is inseparable from that of the African continent as a whole," the Chairperson stated, reaffirming the African Union's "unwavering determination to stand alongside the States and peoples of the region in their pursuit of peace, security, stability and sustainable development."