African Union Commission Chairman (AUC) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has condemned the attacks staged by the rebel group Boko Haram against the Cameroonian soldiers.

Cameroonian troops are commonly stationed across the border in Nigeria as part of an anti-jihadist mission around Wulgo. The rebels, who disguised themselves as herders and traders in a nearby city, infiltrated Wulgo to attack its surrounding military positions, according to reports.

Now, Youssouf has called the attacks a terrorist attack and condoled with the families affected.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expresses deep shock and unequivocally condemns the heinous terrorist attack carried out by Boko Haram on 24 March 2025 against the Cameroonian military in Wulgo, within the Lake Chad Basin. The attack, executed using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), underscores the evolving threats posed by terrorist groups in the region.

“The Chairperson extends heartfelt condolences on behalf of the African Union to the families of the fallen soldiers, as well as to the government and people of Cameroon. He further wishes a swift and full recovery to those wounded in the attack,” Youssouf’s statement read.

The Djiboutian said the AU’s unwavering support for Cameroon is assured and affirmed the commitment to provide the support needed.

“This reprehensible act of violence reinforces the urgent need to intensify counterterrorism efforts to eradicate Boko Haram and other extremist elements operating in the Lake Chad Basin. The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s unwavering solidarity with Cameroon and all member states of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). He reaffirms the AU’s commitment to mobilizing and providing the necessary resources to strengthen collective security efforts, eliminate armed groups, and advance the goal of silencing the guns across the region.

“The African Union remains steadfast in its resolve to support regional and international initiatives aimed at restoring peace, stability, and security in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond,” the statement added.

Boko Haram’s impact

According to the UN, jihadist violence in northeast Nigeria has killed 40,000 people and displaced 2.3 million since 2009.

The Lake Chad region in particular has become a jihadist stronghold, disrupting fishing, farming, and herding, on which the 40 million people who live there depend.