The African Union (AU) has warned of “the rapid deterioration of security” in Mali, where actions by the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in the Sahel, have deepened the humanitarian crisis and risk further destabilizing the region. 

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, president of the AU Commission, condemned the JNIM’s blockade of fuel deliveries to Bamako, the Malian capital, noting that it has “severely worsened living conditions for civilians.”

He denounced “deliberate attacks on innocent civilians” and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to peace and development across the Sahel. 

Youssouf also condemned recent kidnappings in Mali, including that of three Egyptian nationals, calling them “serious violations of human rights.”

He urged a “robust, coordinated, and coherent international response” to terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, emphasizing greater cooperation, intelligence sharing, and sustained support for affected states. 

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelati, also condemned the abductions and urged his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, to take all necessary measures to secure the hostages’ release.

The Egyptian government has issued a travel advisory against visiting Mali, following similar warnings from other countries such as Spain after recent JNIM attacks on fuel convoys near Bamako. 

The West African nation is currently governed by a military junta led by Assimi Goita, who came to power after coups in 2020 and 2021.

Since then, the transitional government has distanced itself from France and other Western partners while strengthening ties with Russia in the areas of security and military cooperation.