By Mevlut Ozkan
ISTANBUL (AA) - African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Monday “strongly” condemned terrorist attacks on Malian army positions claimed by al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM).
Youssouf learned with “deep concern” of the terrorist attacks on Aug. 19 against military positions in Farabougou and Biriki-Were in the central region of Segou, which killed several military personnel and civilians, an AU statement said.
The AU chair offered “full solidarity” and “heartfelt condolences” to the victims’ families, the government, and the people of the West African nation.
He reaffirmed the AU’s “unwavering commitment” to supporting Mali and all its members in fighting terrorism and extremism.
Mali has been going through a security crisis since 2012, fueled by separatist movements and terrorist attacks, particularly in the country's northern and central regions.
Last December, five armed separatist groups in the country announced an alliance, forming the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), which seeks independence for certain regions of northern Mali.
The alliance includes the High Council for Azawad Unity (HCUA), the National Movement for Azawad Liberation (MNLA), and rebel factions of the Azawad Arab Movement (MAA) and Imghad Tuareg Self-Defense Group and Allies (GATIA).
The Malian government regards these groups, as well as the al-Qaida-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) and the Macina Liberation Front (FLM), as terrorist organizations.