The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU), Mahmoud Youssouf, has condemned the suicide bombings that occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, on March 16, 2026, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.

The African Union, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this difficult time and extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing speedy recovery to those injured.

The chairperson reiterated the African Union’s unequivocal rejection and firm condemnation of all forms of violence perpetrated by terrorist elements and violent extremist groups against civilian populations and security officials.

According to him, such acts constitute a grave violation of human rights and undermine peace, security, and stability within communities.

The chairperson commended the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as Borno State authorities, for their sustained and collective efforts in countering terrorism and improving security conditions in Maiduguri and its environs over recent years. “This tragic incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and resilience,” he said.

He called on the international community to scale up support for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region at large, including through enhanced humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, intelligence-sharing, and sustained investment in stabilisation and development initiatives to address the root causes of violent extremism.

He reaffirmed that only through a whole-of-society, collective security and action approach, strengthened cooperation, and sustained commitment, can the threat of terrorism be effectively defeated and lasting peace secured, in line with relevant African Union instruments and frameworks on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding.

The chairperson also reaffirmed full solidarity and unwavering support of the African Union to the Government and people of Nigeria in promoting sustainable peace and stability. (The Guardian)

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