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The African Union issued an urgent appeal Sunday for coordinated international action as Mali faces mounting security threats from terrorist groups that have blocked supply routes and worsened conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned deadly attacks that have claimed civilian lives and destabilized large portions of the country, according to a statement released by the continental body.
Youssouf also addressed the kidnapping of three Egyptian nationals, demanding their "immediate and unconditional release." He characterized such abductions as grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
"A robust, coordinated and coherent international response to counter terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel" is needed, Youssouf said, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and sustained support to governments battling insurgents.
The statement comes as militants linked to Daesh have intensified operations across Mali, forcing authorities to close schools and universities. The West African nation is grappling with simultaneous power, humanitarian and security emergencies as armed groups tighten their grip on affected areas.
Western governments have responded to the deteriorating situation by advising their citizens to leave. The United States, United Kingdom and France have all warned against travel to Mali as violence escalates.
The AU chief pledged the organization's continued support to Mali and neighboring Sahel countries struggling with similar threats, reaffirming solidarity with the Malian government and its citizens.
The Sahel region has become a focal point of extreme activity in recent years, with armed groups exploiting porous borders and weak state presence to expand their operations across multiple countries.
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