African Union Condemns Violent Attacks in Niger

The African Union has strongly condemned a series of attacks in Niger, including a recent assault on a military base near Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport during the night of January 28–29.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, speaking on behalf of the continental bloc, expressed deep concern over the attack by armed individuals. He reiterated the AU’s solidarity with the people of Niger and extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the Nigerien government.

Youssouf said he learned “with deep concern” of the attack at the airport on the night of January 28–29 and expressed “profound sadness” over a separate deadly assault on January 18 in the village of Bosiye, in western Niger, which killed about 30 civilians.

He added that the attacks form part of a campaign of terror carried out by violent extremist groups deliberately targeting civilian populations and public infrastructure. However, he commended the “swift and effective response of the Nigerien security forces,” which he said helped contain the airport attack.

Youssouf also acknowledged the efforts of Nigerien authorities in combating terrorism and violent extremism, citing operations by the armed forces. He noted “the significant results achieved during the recent large-scale operation in the Tillabéri region,” which he said led to the neutralisation of several armed elements, the disruption of terrorist groups, and the recovery of property looted from civilians.

He reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism pose a serious threat to peace, stability, and territorial integrity in affected states and said the African Union Commission remains ready to continue supporting Niger’s efforts.