The statement, written in French and signed by AU Commission President Moussa Faki Mahamat, describes the crimes as ‘cowardly’ and ‘hateful’.

It also extends condolences to the families of the victims, the peoples and governments of the three countries, in addition to wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The statement also recognized the ‘sacrifices and sustained efforts made by these countries to overcome terrorism’, and reaffirmed the determination of the continental organization to ‘accompany them in this brave fight.’

According to official reports, 16 soldiers were killed and two were kidnapped on Monday, following an attack on military facilities in the village of Tilia, in western Niger, bordering with Mali and Burkina Faso, where extremist groups operate. On the same day in Kodyel, eastern Burkina Faso and near the border with Nigeria, hundreds of armed individuals surrounded the population and perpetrated a a massacre as a result of which at least 25 people were killed.

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