AU Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized in a statement that the victims are a constant reminder of the urgency of intensifying collective efforts to eradicate terrorism, which continues to sow devastation, destroy communities, and threaten peace, security, and development in Africa.

Youssouf noted that the continental organization established a solid regulatory framework through the 1999 Convention on Preventing and Combating Terrorism and its 2004 Additional Protocol.

He urged all Member States to fully implement these instruments, which embody the continental commitment to combating this scourge.

He also emphasized the need to combine military and non-military approaches to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Security operations must be accompanied by initiatives that promote dialogue, reconciliation, and socioeconomic reintegration, the text emphasized.

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