The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, strongly condemns the recurrent deadly terrorist attacks against the Malian Armed Forces in the area of Ansongo and against a convoy of the Togolese contingent of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which resulted in the loss of many human lives and several wounded. She expresses, once again, her deep concern about the increase in terrorist attacks in the north of Mali and in the countries of the region. 

The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the full solidarity of the AU with Mali, as well as with the MINUSMA, particularly with the Togolese Government and people afflicted by these painful losses. She conveys the heartfelt condolences of the AU to the bereaved families and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. 

The Chairperson of the Commission reaffirms the full support of the AU to Mali and the MINUSMA and commends its stabilisation efforts. In this regard, she recalls the particular context of the specific challenges that characterise the situation in Mali, as continuously stressed by the AU in its position adopted since the outbreak of the crisis in Mali. She reiterates the call of the AU for enhanced and more vigorous regional cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Nouakchott Process, with the support of the international community.