The African Union (AU) on Friday strongly condemned a series of recent attacks in Niger, including an assault on Niamey’s main airport, describing the violence as “heinous acts.”
In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed the bloc’s solidarity with Niger as it faces persistent security threats. The attack on Diori Hamani International Airport occurred overnight on Wednesday, with reports of explosions and gunfire.
According to Niger’s defence ministry, four soldiers were wounded during the incident, while 20 attackers were killed.
The condemnation follows another deadly attack earlier this month. Around 30 civilians were killed on 18 January in the village of Bosiye in western Niger.
“These heinous acts form part of a campaign of terror carried out by violent extremist groups that deliberately target civilian populations and public infrastructure,” Youssouf said.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the Nigerien government, while acknowledging the authorities’ efforts to counter terrorism. Youssouf warned that terrorism and violent extremism pose a serious threat to peace, stability and territorial integrity in affected states, and stressed that the AU would continue to support Niger’s fight against the violence.
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the airport attack.
Niger, along with its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, has struggled to contain insurgent violence linked to jihadist groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State. The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced millions across the three countries.
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