The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attacks carried out on Saturday in Zamfara State, in northwestern Nigeria, which claimed the lives of more than 50 civilians and resulted in the abduction of women and children, the AU said in a statement released on Sunday.
“The African Union unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children, as grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security and stability,” said the source.
Ali Youssouf expressed “the African Union’s full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” calling for “the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all abducted women and children.” The AU Commissioner further urged for a “strengthened, coordinated and collective action to protect civilian populations and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities, in line with the African Union’s commitment to peace, security and stability in the continent.”
