African Union Pledges Solidarity as Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Expresses Condolences Over Deadly Mudslides in Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone

AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expresses deep condolences to Ethiopia following deadly Gamo Zone mudslides and calls for climate resilience.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 4:13 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Ethiopian News Agency

Continental Solidarity in the Wake of Natural Disaster

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has officially conveyed a message of profound sorrow and solidarity to the government and people of Ethiopia. This diplomatic gesture follows the devastating landslides in the Gamo Zone, which have left a trail of destruction after several days of relentless precipitation. According to the Chairperson, the African Union stands firmly with the Ethiopian nation during this period of intense national mourning. The statement emphasizes a unified continental front in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected by the geological instability in the southern region.

Mobilizing the Humanitarian Response and Local Volunteerism

The scale of the disaster has necessitated a massive mobilization of emergency responders and humanitarian workers to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Gamo Zone. Chairperson Youssouf specifically lauded the tireless efforts of local volunteers and professional rescue teams currently engaged in the search for survivors and the provision of essential aid. According to the African Union, these first responders represent a critical lifeline for the thousands of families displaced by the mudslides. The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these ongoing relief operations as the government works to stabilize the affected communities and provide temporary housing for the homeless.

Addressing the Regional Crisis of Extreme Weather

The tragic events in the Gamo Zone are being viewed within the broader context of severe flooding that is currently impacting the Horn of Africa. The Chairperson expressed significant concern over the wider regional consequences of these extreme weather patterns, which have overwhelmed local infrastructure. According to the statement from the African Union Commission, the increasing frequency of such events requires a more robust and coordinated regional response. The focus remains on ensuring that humanitarian corridors remain open and that resources are distributed efficiently to areas where the threat of secondary landslides remains high.