The African Union (AU) over the weekend said it is following with grave concern the recent developments in Venezuela, including reports of the abduction of the country’s President, Nicolás Maduro, and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions.
The pan-African bloc reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
The AU underscores the importance of dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks, in a spirit of good neighborliness, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among nations.
The continental bloc emphasized that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.
It expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterates its commitment to the promotion of peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations and regions.
The bloc further called upon all parties concerned to exercise restraint, responsibility, and respect for international law to prevent any escalation and to preserve regional peace and stability.
Last Friday, the US attacked Venezuela and captured its President Nicolás Maduro, with Donald Trump vowing to “run the country” until there is a “proper” transition of power.
Venezuela’s left-wing leader and his wife were captured at their compound and flown to the US, as part of a dramatic overnight Special Forces operation that also saw strikes on military bases.
Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have since been charged with weapon and drug offences in New York.
MG/abj/APA