Palestinians 'extermination' must stop, AU chair Mahmoud says

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (C), Chairperson of the African Union Commission, takes his position for a family photo during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa on February 14, 2026. [AFP]

The "extermination" of the Palestinian people must end, the chairman of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said on Saturday as he launched the organisation's 39th summit.

"In the Middle East, Palestine and the suffering of its people also challenge our consciences. The extermination of this people must stop," said Youssouf, who was elected to head the institution a year ago.