African Union urges restraint after US attack on Venezuela

By Sadik Kedir

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - The African Union on Saturday urged restraint and respect for international law following US military attacks on Venezuela.

In a statement issued from its headquarters in Ethiopia, the Pan-African bloc said it was following developments in Venezuela with grave concern and warned against any escalation that could threaten regional peace and stability.

“The African Union calls upon all parties concerned to exercise restraint, responsibility, and respect for international law to prevent any escalation and to preserve regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

The bloc said the situation in Venezuela involves complex internal challenges and stressed that they can only be addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.

The bloc also reaffirmed its call for commitment to the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination under the UN charter, and expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people while reiterating its support for peace and stability.

The attacks came after months of tension with the US, which accused Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking. Maduro denied being a cartel leader and had expressed readiness to hold talks.