BAMAKO, Mali — The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday visited the headquarters of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL) in Bamako, where he reaffirmed the continental body’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across Mali and the wider Sahel region.
According to a statement posted on the African Union’s official X account, Chairperson Youssouf was received by the AU High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, H.E. Mamadou Tangara, along with members of the Mission’s staff.
During the visit, the Chairperson expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended to him and praised the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of MISAHEL personnel in carrying out the African Union’s mandate in one of the continent’s most challenging regions.
According to the statement, Youssouf emphasized that his visit underscored the African Union’s continued solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mali. He also reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s unwavering support for MISAHEL as it implements its mandate to foster peace, stability, dialogue, and sustainable development throughout Mali and the broader Sahel.
The Chairperson noted that strengthening regional peace and security remains a key priority for the African Union as the Sahel continues to face security threats, humanitarian challenges, and political transitions that require coordinated continental and international responses.
H.E. Mamadou Tangara welcomed the Chairperson’s visit, describing it as a strong demonstration of the African Union Commission’s confidence in the Mission and its work. Together with the Mission’s staff, Tangara expressed gratitude for the Chairperson’s engagement and reaffirmed MISAHEL’s commitment to advancing the AU’s objectives in Mali and across the Sahel.
The visit comes as the African Union continues to deepen its diplomatic engagement in the Sahel, working alongside regional and international partners to promote political dialogue, support governance reforms, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and encourage sustainable development in a region facing persistent instability.
MISAHEL serves as the African Union’s principal mission in the Sahel, coordinating political engagement and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing the complex security, governance, and development challenges confronting the region.