AU chief condemns terrorist attack against Malian army

ADDIS ABABA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Monday condemned the recent terrorist attack against a military base of the Malian Army.

Chairperson of the pan African bloc made the remarks following a gunmen attack against a Malian Army base over the weekend, killing scores of soldiers and destroying Malian military instruments.

"The chairperson strongly condemns the terrorist attack against a base of the Malian Army in the village of Dioura, in the Mopti region, in the center of the country, on the nights of March 16 to 17, resulting in the deaths of many soldiers," an AU statement issued on Monday read.

Faki also "offers his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured."

The AU chairperson further expressed the AU's "unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Mali," following the terrorist attack.

"This despicable attack can only strengthen the resolve of the African Union," the statement read.

He also called for renewed international mobilization in support of the regional efforts to achieve lasting solutions to the security problems in the West African country.