Statement of the African Union Commission on Escalation in the Red Sea Region

The African Union Commission is following with deep concern the recent military escalation in the Red Sea region, including attacks targeting the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and international maritime navigation.

The Commission condemns the attacks carried out by the Houthis against civilian targets and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The Commission expresses particular concern over reports of attempted attacks targeting Makkah and other holy cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It stresses 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 reaffirms the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in accordance with international law. Any action aimed at obstructing or threatening navigation along this 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 States of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea littoral States.

The Commission warns against the risk of a further regionalization of the ongoing confrontations in the Middle East, whose security, humanitarian and economic consequences would directly affect the African continent.

The Commission therefore calls for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians, civilian and economic infrastructure, and commercial shipping, respect for freedom of navigation, and urgent de-escalation.

The Commission finally reiterates 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.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the AUC Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: [email protected] | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia