The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed “deep” concern over the recent military escalation in the Red Sea region, including attacks targeting Saudi territory and international maritime navigation.
In a statement the commission condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis, targeting civilians and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The commission expressed particular concern over reports of attempted attacks targeting Makkah and other holy cities of the Saudi kingdom.
It stressed that holy sites, as well as civilians and pilgrims visiting them, must be fully protected and must under no circumstances become targets of military action.
The commission further strongly reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in accordance with international law.
The pan-African bloc said any action aimed at obstructing or threatening navigation along the strategic maritime route poses a serious risk not only to the littoral states, but also to international trade, global supply chains, energy security and African economies.
In this regard, the commission underscores that the security of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is also a major strategic interest for Africa, particularly for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea littoral states.
The commission warned against the risk of a further regionalisation of the ongoing confrontations in the Middle East, whose security, humanitarian and economic consequences would directly affect the African continent.
The commission also called for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians, and economic infrastructure, and commercial shipping.
It finally reiterated the need to prioritize dialogue and political avenues in order to prevent a further expansion of hostilities and preserve peace, security and stability throughout the Red Sea region.
MG/as/APA