The African Union yesterday condemned the suicide bombings that struck Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday night, killing 23 people and injuring over 150 others.
It also called on the international community to scale up support to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region at large, including through enhanced humanitarian assistance, capacity-building, intelligence-sharing, and sustained investment in stabilisation and development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
In a statement, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, said the union “strongly condemns the suicide bombings which occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, on March 16, 2026, resulting in several deaths, and others injured.”
He added that the African Union “stands in full solidarity with the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during this difficult time and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing speedy recovery to those injured.”
The chairperson reiterated the AU’s “unequivocal rejection and firm condemnation of all forms of violence perpetrated by terrorist elements, and violent extremist groups against civilian populations and security officials,” describing such acts as “a grave violation of human rights and (an undermining of) peace, security, (and) stability within communities.”
Youssouf commended the Nigerian government and Borno State authorities “for their sustained and collective efforts in countering terrorism and improving security conditions in Maiduguri and its environs over recent years,” noting that the attacks highlight “the persistent threat posed by terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and resilience.”
The African Union emphasised that “only through a whole of society, collective security and action approach, strengthened cooperation, and sustained commitment, can the threat of terrorism be effectively defeated and lasting peace secured, in line with relevant African Union instruments and frameworks on conflict prevention, counter-terrorism, and peacebuilding.”
The chairperson concluded by reaffirming “full solidarity and unwavering support of the African Union to the government and people of Nigeria in promoting sustainable peace and stability.”
