The African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the government and people of Algeria following devastating wildfires that swept through the country’s northern provinces.

The statement follows intense blazes driven by a severe heatwave across North Africa, which recorded over 150 fires in a single day across several provinces, including Bejaia, Jijel, and Tizi Ouzou. The fires have claimed at least 12 lives, injured dozens more, and displaced hundreds of residents while causing extensive destruction to forest land and infrastructure.

In an official declaration issued, the AUC extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished for a swift recovery to those injured. The Commission reaffirmed the AU’s solidarity with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the government, and emergency services battling the outbreaks.

The AUC also highlighted the growing threat posed by extreme, climate-driven weather events across the continent, reiterating the urgent need for enhanced regional coordination in disaster risk management, early warning capabilities, and emergency response frameworks to protect vulnerable communities.

–ChannelAfrica/AU–