AU reaffirms commitment to staff welfare, condemns terror attack in Chad

Africa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the Deputy Chairperson, Selma Malika Haddadi, have reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to staff welfare, institutional efficiency and sustainable reforms during a meeting with the AU Staff Association.

The meeting, held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, provided an opportunity for dialogue between the Commission’s management and staff members on issues affecting the organisation and its workforce.

In their remarks, the AU leaders commended staff members for their dedication, professionalism and continued commitment to advancing the mandate of the organisation in service of African citizens.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening staff welfare and institutional capacity through sustainable approaches and broader support mechanisms.

According to the Commission, the leadership underscored the need for continued engagement with member states in pursuit of lasting solutions aimed at safeguarding the effectiveness and long-term stability of the Commission, including issues relating to the implementation of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA).

Staff members at the meeting reportedly expressed appreciation for reforms undertaken so far in the interest of staff welfare and institutional efficiency, while reaffirming their commitment to supporting the goals of the organisation.

The Chairperson urged staff to continue working in a spirit of solidarity, professionalism and collective responsibility to ensure the effective delivery of the African Union’s priorities and programmes.

Meanwhile, the African Union Commission has strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out on Monday, May 4, 2026, against a military base in Barka Tolorom, located on the Chadian shore of Lake Chad.

The Commission said the attack resulted in casualties and injuries among Chadian defence forces.

In a statement, the AU Commission expressed condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Chad, while wishing those injured a swift recovery.

The Commission also reiterated the AU’s solidarity with member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission engaged in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

It further reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to supporting Chad and countries within the Lake Chad Basin through existing cooperation mechanisms, liaison structures and relevant regional security initiatives aimed at combating terrorism.