AU seeks reset with Mali as Sahel crisis deepens
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has traveled to Mali to initiate high-level talks with the military-led government. This visit signals a potential shift in the AU's strategy toward engaging with Sahelian juntas rather than maintaining strict isolation.
Why it matters
The Sahel region is a global hotspot for jihadist violence, and the AU's pivot could redefine how international bodies handle unconstitutional regime changes in volatile areas.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has arrived in Mali for a two-day visit aimed at rebuilding ties with Bamako as the continental bloc reassesses its approach to the worsening security crisis in the Sahel. The visit marks the highest-level engagement between the African Union and Mali since the country was suspended following the 2021 military coup and signals a renewed effort by Addis Ababa to engage the region’s military-led governments. Mahmoud is expected to meet transitional President General Assimi Goïta for talks focused on relations between Mali and the African Union, regional security and the future of cooperation with the Confederation of Sahelian States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Mali remains suspended from the African Union under the organisation’s policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in