13/07/2026
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, arrived in Bamako on Sunday, July 12, 2026, for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening ties between the continental organization and Mali. The trip comes as the country remains suspended from participating in AU activities, bodies, and institutions since June 2021.
Upon his arrival in the Malian capital for a two-day official visit, the head of the AU Commission was welcomed by Mali's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop. The two officials then discussed issues presented by the African Union as being of common interest, although the detailed content of their discussions was not made public.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is scheduled to meet with General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition, on Monday. The African Union has not yet released the precise agenda for this meeting, nor the documents that are likely to be discussed during the visit.
This mission follows calls by the AU Peace and Security Council for strengthened high-level dialogue with the Malian authorities. Meeting on April 28, 2026, the Council requested the Commission to intensify its diplomatic efforts with Bamako, emphasizing political dialogue, a return to constitutional order, and the establishment of a credible transition timetable with deadlines.
The same body reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Mali. It also recommended increased technical and operational assistance to the Malian security sector, particularly in the areas of capacity building, early warning, and strategic advice.
Mali's suspension was decided on June 1, 2021, following the arrest of Transition President Bah N'Daw and his Prime Minister Moctar Ouane, followed by Assimi Goïta taking over the Transition, who, along with other colonels, had staged a coup against Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in August 2020. The Peace and Security Council then made Mali's return to the organization's bodies conditional on the restoration of constitutional order.
This measure concerns Mali's participation in the activities and bodies of the African Union. It does not terminate its membership in the organization, nor does it interrupt contacts between the Commission, the Malian authorities, and African structures responsible for peace and security issues. AU publications still indicated in April 2026 that Mali was among the suspended states.
Despite the suspension, the continental organization maintains a presence in Mali through its Liaison Office for Mali and the Sahel. This office is headed by former Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara, who also serves as High Representative and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for Mali and the Sahel.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf received Mamadou Tangara on May 15, 2026, to discuss recent developments in the region. The Commission indicated on that occasion that its representative would continue its dialogue initiatives with Sahel countries in the areas of peace, stability, and development.
The Commission Chairperson's efforts with the Sahelian states began as early as May 2025 with consultations bringing together the ambassadors of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger accredited to the AU. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf then proposed that they work towards resuming dialogue and defining an agreed roadmap for a return to constitutional functioning.
In Mali, the Transition Charter was revised by a law promulgated on July 8, 2025. The text entrusts Assimi Goïta with the functions of head of state for a five-year term, renewable as many times as necessary until the country is pacified. It stipulates that this term can be shortened if the conditions for holding a transparent and peaceful presidential election are met.
The same law stipulates that the Transition will end after the organization of a presidential election, the swearing-in ceremony, and the transfer of power to the newly elected president. It also authorizes the President of the Transition and members of the transitional institutions to run in the elections marking the end of this period.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf's visit should therefore elevate the dialogue between the African Union Commission and the Malian authorities to the highest level. The communications expected after his meeting with Assimi Goïta should clarify the topics discussed, any commitments made, and the next steps in relations between Bamako and the continental organization.
