The African Union strongly denounced the recent attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea, attributed to Yemen’s Houthi group. The AU warned that these actions could lead to a dangerous escalation with severe consequences for regional peace and security. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated the union’s unwavering support for the country’s security, sovereignty, and stability.
Youssouf emphasized that any assaults on commercial vessels and any efforts to impede the free movement of maritime traffic pose a significant threat to international maritime security and the stability of a crucial waterway. He stressed the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in compliance with international law, particularly highlighting the strategic significance of maritime routes in the Red Sea for Africa.
The Chairperson underscored that disrupting commercial shipping could jeopardize regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains, energy security, and the economic interests of several African nations reliant on safe and uninterrupted access to these sea lanes. He called on the Houthi group to immediately halt all attacks on commercial shipping, avoid actions that could escalate tensions, and fully adhere to international maritime navigation laws.
Yemen’s Houthi group recently claimed responsibility for targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, alleging that the vessels violated their newly imposed maritime restrictions. The group justified the attack by accusing the ships of breaching an embargo imposed by their armed forces on vessels visiting Saudi ports. US President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating that the Houthis and Iran would face significant military consequences if the attacks on ships persist. Trump expressed disappointment with the Houthi group for allegedly firing at two Saudi Arabian ships and indicated that Iran would be held accountable if the assaults continue.
