African Union expresses concern over escalating tensions in the Red Sea

The African Union Commission has expressed strong concern over the increase in military conflicts in the Red Sea region, particularly the attacks targeting Saudi territory and threats against commercial vessels using the vital waterways.

The African Union condemned the Houthi attacks targeting, as stated in the statement, civilian targets and economic infrastructure located in Saudi Arabia , as well as the attacks and threats against commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea.

The African Union Commission specifically addressed reports of attempts to target Makkah and other holy cities located in Saudi Arabia .

The Commission stated that holy sites, civilians, and pilgrims or those going to worship at these sites must be fully protected and should never be military targets.

The African Union also reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait , stating that this matter needs to be protected in accordance with international law.

The Commission warned that any action that disrupts or endangers vessels using this waterway could impact the countries bordering the Red Sea, global trade, supply chains, energy security, and the economies of African countries.

This issue is particularly important for East Africa and the countries located along the Red Sea coast , as Bab al-Mandab is a strategic passage connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The African Union Commission also warned that the conflicts and clashes occurring in the Middle East could transform into a widespread conflict throughout the region.

According to the African Union, if the situation worsens, its impact will not be limited to the Middle East alone, but could directly affect Africa in terms of security, humanitarian conditions, and the economy .

The African Union Commission called for an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure and the economy, and commercial vessels.

It also called for the protection of freedom of navigation and for tensions to be urgently reduced, emphasizing that dialogue and political solutions should be prioritized to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to maintain peace, security, and stability in the Red Sea region.