The African Union welcomes the release of Algerian hostages kidnapped by terrorist groups in Mali / The AU reaffirms its support to the countries of the region in their efforts to combat terrorism

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the strong condemnation by the AU of the abduction of the Algerian diplomats. She expresses the AU's profound sympathy and conveys its sincere condolences to the families of the other two Algerian hostages who lost their lives during the period they were kidnapped by MUJAO, as well as to the Government and people of Algeria.

The Chairperson of the Commission once again expresses the strong condemnation by the AU of all acts of terrorism. She reaffirms the AU's continued support to Algeria and to the other countries of the region in their individual and collective efforts to combat the threat that terrorism and transnational organized crime pose to peace and security in the sahelo-saharan region.

The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that, at its meeting held in Nairobi, on 2 September 2014, the Peace and Security Council adopted a number of practical measures to strengthen African collective action against the scourge of terrorism and transnational organized crime. She urges all AU Member States to work towards the timely implementation and effective of these measures.