African Union Condemns Niger Airport Attack as Extremist Violence Escalates

Niamey, Niger – The African Union has condemned violent attacks in Niger recently, including an assault on the country’s international airport. The AU described the incidents as part of a campaign by extremist groups targeting the civilians and infrastructure.

In African Union’s statement released on Friday, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Commission chairperson, denounced the attack as heinous acts and reiterated the continental body’s solidarity with Niger as it faces escalating security challenges.

Most of the attacks in the country occurred overnight on Wednesday at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, where armed personnel launched an operation involving gunfire and explosions. The Ministry of Defence in Niger confirmed four soldiers got injured while 20 attackers were killed during the confrontation.

READ ALSO: Mali Lawmaker Sentenced to Three Years in Ivory Coast Over Remarks About President Ouattara

The attack in the airport is just one of the several deadly incidents recorded in recent weeks. At least 30 civilians were confirmed killed on 18 January in a separate attack in Bosiye village in the western part of Niger near the country’s volatile border regions.

African Union Warns of Growing Threat to Civilian Life

“These acts are part of an ongoing campaign of terror carried out by violent extremist groups that deliberately target civilian populations and public infrastructure,” Youssouf said.

He extended condolences to the families of those killed and expressed sympathy to the government and people of Niger, while also acknowledging the efforts of Nigerien security forces in combating terrorism under difficult conditions.

The African Union chief warned that terrorism and violent extremism continue to pose a serious threat to peace, stability, and territorial integrity across parts of the Sahel, stressing that no single country can address the crisis alone.

“The African Union remains committed to supporting Niger in its efforts to restore security and protect its citizens,” the statement added.

Islamic State Claims Responsibility

The airport attack has been attributed to the extremist organization Islamic State (IS), highlighting the ongoing threat faced by jihadist groups operating throughout the Sahel.

For almost ten years, Niger, along with its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, has battled to keep insurgencies connected to al Qaeda and the Islamic State under control. Armed groups continue to take advantage of limited state presence, porous borders, and local grievances despite numerous military operations and regional initiatives.

Sahel Crisis Deepens

The violence has had devastating consequences for civilians. Thousands of people have been killed across the three countries, while millions have been displaced, according to regional and humanitarian organisations. Attacks on villages, security installations, and transport infrastructure have become increasingly frequent, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the region.

Recent political upheavals and the withdrawal or reduction of some international forces have further complicated counterterrorism efforts, placing greater pressure on national armies already stretched thin.

Call for Regional and Continental Action Security analysts say the latest attacks highlight the urgent need for coordinated regional strategies, improved intelligence-sharing, and stronger civilian protection mechanisms.

As Niger navigates a fragile security landscape, the African Union’s renewed pledge of support signals continued continental engagement, but the situation on the ground suggests that the battle against extremist violence in the Sahel is far from over.