AU Commission Chairperson Expresses Solidarity with Ethiopia After Gamo Zone Landslides

Addis Ababa, March 16, 2026 (FMC) — Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed solidarity with Ethiopia following the recent landslides in the Gamo Zone that claimed lives and displaced families after days of heavy rainfall.

In a statement issued today, Youssouf conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured, while expressing support for communities affected by the disaster.

He also paid tribute to emergency responders, humanitarian workers and local volunteers working to rescue survivors and assist those impacted by the incident.

The African Union Commission reaffirmed its support for Ethiopia during the period of national mourning and for ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

Youssouf further raised concern over the wider impact of severe flooding across the region, underscoring the importance of strengthening disaster risk management, early warning systems and climate resilience to better protect communities from extreme weather events.

The landslides struck Laka Kebele in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State, claiming several lives and displacing many residents. In response, Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives declared a three-day national mourning period beginning March 14, during which the national flag is flown at half-mast across government institutions, ships, and diplomatic missions abroad.

Other countries, including Russia, Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Pakistan, have also conveyed condolences and expressed solidarity with the people and government of Ethiopia over the tragic landslides and floods.