The African Union (AU) has expressed grave concern over unfolding developments in Venezuela, including the reported capture of President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces and recent military strikes in the South American country.
In a communiqué issued on Saturday, the continental body said it was closely monitoring the situation, describing the developments as deeply troubling and potentially destabilizing.
“The African Union is following with grave concern the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including reports of the abduction of the President of the Republic, Mr Nicolás Maduro, and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions,” the statement said.
The AU reaffirmed its commitment to the core principles of international law, particularly respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
It stressed the importance of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, urging all parties to respect constitutional and institutional frameworks in the spirit of cooperation, good neighborliness, and peaceful coexistence.
According to the AU, Venezuela’s internal challenges can only be resolved through inclusive political dialogue led by Venezuelans themselves, rather than external intervention.
“The African Union emphasizes that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves,” the communiqué added.
The organization also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations.
Calls For Restraint and De-Escalation
The AU called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and responsibility, warning that further escalation could threaten regional peace and stability.
It urged strict adherence to international law in order to prevent the crisis from spiraling beyond diplomatic control.
The statement came amid growing international reactions following claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces had captured President Maduro during what he described as a large-scale operation against Venezuela.
In posts on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said Maduro and his wife were apprehended in an operation carried out with US law enforcement agencies and flown out of Venezuela.
He later shared a photo purportedly showing the Venezuelan leader in custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, with Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed.
Trump said he would provide further details at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida and described the operation as “brilliant” in comments to The New York Times.
The claim followed months of escalating US military and economic pressure on Venezuela, including an expanded naval presence in the Caribbean, an oil blockade, and strikes targeting what Washington described as drug-trafficking infrastructure.
Global Reactions Intensify
The developments have triggered sharp reactions from world leaders, with responses ranging from condemnation to cautious support.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday following a request by Venezuela, relayed through Colombia, diplomatic sources said.
Russia urged the United States to immediately release Maduro and his wife, calling the capture of a sitting head of state a violation of international norms.
France condemned the operation, saying while Maduro had gravely violated the rights of Venezuelans, no lasting political solution could be imposed from outside the country.
Italy defended the US action as legitimate defence against drug-related threats, even as it said military force should not be used for regime change.
Turkey, Brazil, China, and the United Kingdom called for restraint, respect for international law, and de-escalation, while Germany acknowledged Maduro’s controversial record but warned that the legal implications of the operation were complex.
EU Urges Respect For UN Charter
The European Union said it was following developments with great concern and called for restraint and respect for the UN Charter.
EU leaders reiterated support for a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela, stressing that any solution must comply with international law.
While the bloc has not recognised Maduro’s legitimacy following disputed elections, it has also stopped short of endorsing external military intervention.
As diplomatic tensions rise, international attention remains fixed on how the crisis will unfold and whether dialogue can still prevent a deeper regional and global confrontation.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
