Statement by the AUC Chairperson on the Wildfires in Spain and France

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses his profound sorrow at the devastating wildfires affecting parts of Spain and France, which have claimed lives, displaced communities and caused extensive destruction to property and the environment.

On behalf of the AU Commission, the Chairperson extends his sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and conveys the African Union's solidarity with the Governments and peoples of the Kingdom of Spain and the French Republic during this difficult time.

The Chairperson notes with deep concern that the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and #climate-related disasters reinforce the urgent need for enhanced global cooperation to address the climate crisis. Consistent with the AU's common position on climate change, he reiterates the importance of collective action, strengthened climate resilience, scaled-up adaptation measures and the fulfillment of international commitments on climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building, particularly for the most vulnerable countries and communities.

The AU reaffirms its solidarity with Spain and France and expresses confidence in the resilience of their peoples as they continue efforts to respond to and recover from this tragedy.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: [email protected] | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia