The African Union has called for urgent collective action to confront rising insecurity in the Sahel following coordinated terrorist attacks that struck multiple locations across Mali on July 4, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday July 5, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemned the attacks, which hit several communities in northern, central, and southern Republic of Mali.
He described the attacks as a brutal assault on civilians and extended sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also expressed deep sympathy to all persons affected, reaffirming the African Union’s solidarity with the Malian government and people during what he described as a difficult period.
“The Chairperson extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his deep sympathy to all those affected by these attacks. He reiterates the African Union’s full solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mali during this difficult time,” the statement.
The Chairperson warned that the incident reflects the persistent and evolving threat of terrorism and violent extremism in Mali and across the wider Sahel, stressing that the region remains highly vulnerable to coordinated militant activity.
He emphasised that the situation underscores the urgent need for strengthened collective efforts at national, regional, and continental levels to combat terrorism effectively, while ensuring full respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
The African Union reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Mali’s authorities, alongside regional and continental initiatives aimed at restoring peace, stability, and long-term security across Mali and the Sahel.
Insurgents staged attacks on army positions across Mali, including in a northern town where government and Russian fighters are based and in a town south of the capital Bamako, the latest threat to the landlocked Sahel nation’s embattled leaders.
The assault stretched from the northern cities and towns of Anefis, Aguelhoc and Gao to Sevare in central Mali and Kenioroba in the south, the Malian armed forces said in a statement.
