AU expresses concern over security situation in Sahel

Alsharq Tribune-M-Essam 

The African Union (AU) is concerned about the security situation in the Sahel and intends to assist in efforts to combat terrorism and promote development, said Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio on Tuesday, following an audience with Malian President Assimi Goita.

Antonio was received as an envoy of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the acting chair of the AU.

"This is about exploring, in a spirit of constructive dialogue, ways to collectively support the fight against terrorism and promote development in the Sahel," he was quoted by a post on the Malian presidency's social media as saying.

The discussions with Goita focused on ways and means to strengthen the bonds between Africans, reinforcing African solidarity and shared destiny, said Antonio, reaffirming the AU chair's commitment to "the stability and security of Mali and the entire Sahel region."

Before arriving in Bamako, the AU envoy had visited Burkina Faso on Monday.