The chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has condemned the drone attack carried out against vessels stationed at the Port of Damietta in Egypt.
According to preliminary investigations, fires on two ships docked at the port were the result of a drone attack.
In a statement the AU issued on Saturday, the AUC chairperson conveyed the organisation’s full solidarity with the government and people of Egypt.
He commended the swift and effective response of the Egyptian authorities, which averted any loss of life, and expresses confidence in the ongoing investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Youssouf underscored that the attack constitutes a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an African Union member state.
He stressed that Africa must not become a theatre for the spillover of conflicts originating beyond the continent, nor should its critical civilian infrastructure be exposed to such threats.
The chairperson called for maximum restraint and de-escalation and reaffirms the AU’s unwavering commitment to international law, the safety and security of maritime navigation, and the protection of civilian infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Egyptian cabinet said a preliminary investigation found that the incident “resulted from a drone,” adding that no group has claimed responsibility.
The authorities said investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and to take measures to safeguard Egypt’s national security.
The fire damaged two gas vessels at the Mediterranean port, according to Egyptian authorities. Maritime analytics firm Kpler said the incident temporarily disrupted operations at one of Egypt’s key liquefied natural gas (LNG) import hubs.
The Damietta Port Authority, however, said port operations remain fully functional, with vessel arrivals and departures, cargo handling, and other services continuing without interruption.
MG/as/APA