Panafrican News Agency

AUC Chairperson strongly condemns abduction of dozens of women in Burkina Faso

Addis Ababa,  Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday condemned in the strongest terms the abduction by unidentified gunmen of more than 50 women and girls on 12 and 13 January 2023 in the Arbinda area of Burkina Faso's northern Sahel region.

"The Chairperson calls for the immediate release of the abducted women and girls, including their safe return to their families and communities," an AU communiqué said on Thursday.

It urged national authorities to spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

According to the communiqué, the AUC chairperson is particularly "concerned that armed groups are targeting women and girls as part of their strategy to terrorise communities".

He reaffirmed the solidarity of the AU with the brotherly nation of Burkina Faso, adding that the AU remains committed to supporting the authorities in the restoration of constitutional order and the search for lasting peace.

The UN Secretary General, the UN human rights chief, the US and France are among organisations and countries that have also condemned abductions.

The Burkina Faso authorities say they have launched a search for the women.

-0- PANA TNDD/JSG/BBA/MA 19Jan2023