The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned the recent terrorist assault that targeted Beninese troops in the volatile tri-border area where Benin meets Niger and Burkina Faso.

The brutal attack, which occurred on April 17, claimed the lives of several Beninese soldiers and left many others wounded. In a statement released Saturday, Chairperson Youssouf described the assault as a “cowardly and unacceptable act of violence” and extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Benin.

“This heinous act highlights the deepening insecurity plaguing the Sahel region and calls for urgent, coordinated regional action,” Youssouf said, reiterating the African Union’s commitment to confronting terrorism across the continent.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among West African nations in countering extremist networks that continue to exploit porous borders and local vulnerabilities. According to the Chairperson, the AU stands firmly behind the Beninese government and its ongoing efforts to stamp out terrorism and violent extremism.

WafricNews will continue to follow developments in the region as leaders push for increased security cooperation and international support to address the growing threat in the Sahel.


WafricNews | April 26, 2025