AU Condemns Attack In Somalia And Nigeria

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat has condemned the terrorist attack perpetrated by Al Shabaab militants against an African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) base in the Middle Shabelle region on May 3, 2022.

The AU Chairperson also condemned the attack on a passenger train between Abuja-Kaduna on March 29, 2022, stressing that the heinous act which led to the tragic loss of lives, with others declared missing was unacceptable. 

The AU Chairperson, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Tema, while condemning the two attacks, paid tribute to the Burundian peacekeepers who lost their lives helping to bring peace and stability to Somalia.

The chairperson extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Burundi, and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded as a result of the attack.

The chairperson reiterated that “this heinous attack will not lessen the determination of ATMIS forces and reaffirms the continued and unwavering commitment of the AU to support the Somali Government and people in their pursuit to achieve sustainable peace and security.”

The chairperson called on the international community to increase support to the Somali security services and the ATMIS mission commensurate with the security challenges at hand.

The chairperson extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families in Nigeria and wishes a full recovery to the injured.

The Chairperson urged the Nigerian authorities to take measures to ensure that the missing passengers were found, and the perpetrators of the heinous acts brought to account.

The Chairperson reaffirmed the solidarity of the African Union with the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this difficult time.