The African Union (AU) on Monday strongly condemned the destruction of religious mausoleums in Timbuktu town of Mali.

In a statement, the Pan-African institution indicated Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has learnt with dismay about deliberate destruction, by armed elements claiming to belong to the Ansar Dine Group, of several mausoleums of Muslims saints in Timbuktu, a city declared by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO) as World Heritage site of humanity in 1988.

The statement said the Chairperson strongly condemned the act, which comes days after UNESCO has decided to put Timbuktu on the list of World Heritage site in danger.

The Chairperson reiterated AU's deep concern at the continuing violation of human rights and other abuses by armed terrorist groups that continue to occupy the northern part of Mali.

AU is equally concerned about worsening humanitarian situation on the ground, said Ping.

He also reiterated AU's commitment in collaboration with the Malian government, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the countries of the region, the UN and other international partners to contribute to the implementation of appropriate measures for the rapid restoration of the authority of Mali on this part of its territory and for reservation of the national unity and territorial integrity of the country, according to the statement.