Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA (EI) — Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed his heartfelt condolences in response to the devastating landslide that resulted in over 100 fatalities in southern Ethiopia. Youssouf future offered the AU’s support to ongoing relief efforts.
The AUC chairperson “expresses profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Ethiopia following the tragic landslides in the Gamo Zone that have claimed many lives and displaced thousands of families after days of heavy rainfall,” an AU statement issued Monday read.
The AUC Chairperson statement came after local officials confirmed that 107 bodies have been recovered following the landslide, which occurred on Tuesday night when heavy rains caused significant soil movement in the affected areas.
In remembrance of the victims, the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR) has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Saturday.
The AUC Chairperson extended deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and wishes a swift recovery to those injured, while expressing solidarity with all communities affected by the disaster.
Youssouf offered his “deepest sympathies” to those who have lost loved ones and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
He further expressed solidarity with all communities impacted by this disaster, while also commending the efforts of emergency responders.
“Youssouf pays tribute to the emergency responders, humanitarian workers, and local volunteers who are working tirelessly to rescue survivors and provide assistance to those in need,” the statement read.
He reaffirmed the Addis Ababa-based pan-African bloc’s solidarity with Ethiopia during this difficult period, reiterating the African Union’s strong commitment to supporting ongoing relief and recovery initiatives.
As AU member countries struggle with growing impacts of landslides and other natural disasters, the AUC chairperson also raised concerns about the broader implications of severe flooding across the region.
He emphasized the necessity of investing in disaster risk management, early warning systems, and climate resilience to better safeguard communities against the increasing threats posed by extreme weather events.
“The chairperson also expresses concern over the wider impact of severe flooding across the region and underscores the importance of investing in disaster risk management, early warning systems, and climate resilience to better protect communities from the increasing threat of extreme weather,” the statement read.
