The African Union Commission has raised concern over the fragile security situation in the Sahel Region.
The declaration came following a ministerial meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council in the Malian Capital, Bamako.

The African Union says it continues to follow with deep concern the evolution of the situation in the Sahel region, in particular in Northern Mali.

According to a press release from the AU, Jean Ping Chairperson of the AU Commission reiterates his organization’s support to the Malian government to restore security and stability in the affected areas.

He further reaffirms the commitment of the AU to the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Mali. ‘Nothing can justify the recourse to armed rebellion in Mali, a country whose democratic institutions provide an appropriate framework of expression of views, making it possible to find, through dialogue, solutions to all legitimate demands,’’ the AU boss stressed.
The Chairperson of the Commission says ‘the attacks in the north of Mali are taking place in an already difficult humanitarian context, due to the consequences of the drought which affects the entire Sahel area.''
He expresses the gratitude to the neighboring countries of Mali, in particular Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger, which are hosting Malian refugees fleeing the clashes. He finally commended humanitarian agencies for their assistance to the affected people.
According to reports the Continental body has also organized a meeting experts Addis Ababa to consider the need to intensify efforts to address the present situation and other challenges faced by the Sahel region, following which the recommendations which will be
Submitted to the ministerial meeting of the Peace and Security
Council, to be held in Bamako, on 20 March 2012, for consideration.