African Union Commission Chairperson Visits SAHEL Authorities in Bamako, Reaffirms AU Commitment to Peace and Stability in the Sahel region
BAMAKO, Mali : The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Mali and the wider Sahel region during an official visit to the offices of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL) in Bamako as publish on the official website of African Union on 13 July 2026
The visit underscored the AU Commission’s continued support for both the Government and people of Mali, as well as its confidence in MISAHEL’s role in advancing the Union’s peacebuilding and development agenda across the region.
Warm Reception at MISAHEL Headquarters
Upon his arrival at the Mission’s headquarters in Bamako, Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was warmly welcomed by the AU High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, H.E. Mamadou Tangara, alongside members of the Mission’s staff.
During the visit, the AU Commission Chairperson expressed his gratitude for the reception accorded to him and commended the professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the Mission’s personnel in carrying out their responsibilities under often challenging circumstances.
He praised the team’s continued efforts to implement the African Union’s mandate in Mali and throughout the Sahel, emphasizing that their work remains critical to regional peace, security, and development.
AU Reaffirms Solidarity with Mali
Speaking during the visit, Chairperson Youssouf stressed that his presence in Bamako symbolizes the African Union’s enduring solidarity with the Republic of Mali during a period marked by complex political, security, and humanitarian challenges.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s full support for MISAHEL in executing its mandate, particularly in fostering inclusive dialogue, strengthening peacebuilding initiatives, promoting regional stability, and advancing sustainable development across the Sahel.
“The visit reflects the African Union’s continued solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mali, while reaffirming the Commission’s unwavering support for MISAHEL in implementing its mandate to promote peace, stability, dialogue, and sustainable development,” the Chairperson noted.
MISAHEL Welcomes Continued Support
In response, AU High Representative H.E. Mamadou Tangara expressed sincere appreciation for the Chairperson’s visit, describing it as a powerful demonstration of the Commission’s confidence in the Mission and its personnel.
Tangara emphasized that the visit serves as an important source of motivation for the Mission’s staff as they continue working to support peacebuilding efforts and strengthen cooperation with national, regional, and international partners.
Members of the Mission also welcomed the Chairperson’s engagement, noting that the visit reinforces the African Union’s commitment to supporting peace and development initiatives throughout Mali and the wider Sahel.
Strengthening AU Engagement in the Sahel
The Sahel continues to face multifaceted challenges, including insecurity, violent extremism, humanitarian crises, climate-related pressures, and political transitions. Through MISAHEL, the African Union plays a key role in supporting mediation, conflict prevention, governance reforms, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of instability.
Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s visit to Bamako highlights the African Union’s determination to remain actively engaged with Member States and regional institutions in pursuit of lasting peace, security, and prosperity for the people of Mali and the broader Sahel region.
As the African Union continues to strengthen its partnerships and field missions, the visit sends a clear message of solidarity, cooperation, and renewed commitment to achieving a peaceful and resilient Sahel.
Berinyuy Cajetan,
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
