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The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern over the escalating political and security situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, urging all parties—particularly the United States—to respect international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the continental body condemned reports of violence, military attacks on state institutions, and the alleged abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
“The African Union is following with grave concern the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including reports of the abduction of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nicolás Maduro, and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions,” the statement read.
The AU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, emphasizing respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
According to the Union, political disagreements must not be resolved through violence or military intervention. It strongly condemned the use of force and warned against actions that could further destabilise the country.
The AU also called on all parties involved to respect Venezuela’s constitutional institutions and exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“The African Union emphasizes that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves,” the statement said.
The Union expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations and regions.
Meanwhile, the AU’s statement followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured.
Trump later disclosed that the United States had filed drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges against Maduro, adding that both he and his wife were being taken to New York, where they had been indicted. The US President also released a photograph of Maduro following the announcement.
The developments have sparked widespread international reactions, with the African Union calling for calm, restraint, and strict adherence to international law to avoid further instability in the region.
