African Union Condemns Houthi Attacks on Vessels in the Red Sea

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned attacks claimed by Yemen’s Houthi group against commercial oil tankers in the Red Sea. The regional organisation warned that these actions represent a dangerous escalation with serious implications for regional peace and security. In an official statement on Thursday (23/7), AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed the African Union’s steadfast support for the security, sovereignty, and stability of the kingdom. Youssouf stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and any attempt to obstruct freedom of maritime traffic constitute a serious threat to international maritime security. The Red Sea itself is one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The security of maritime routes in the region is considered strategically vital for the African continent. Youssouf underscored that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial shipping must be fully respected in accordance with international law. “Any disruption to commercial shipping risks undermining regional maritime connectivity, global supply chains, energy security, and the economic interests of many African countries whose trade depends on safe, secure, and uninterrupted access to these sea lanes,” Youssouf said. The African Union called on the Houthi group to immediately cease all attacks on commercial vessels. The group was also urged to refrain from any actions that could heighten tensions and to respect international law governing maritime navigation. Earlier the same day, Yemen’s Houthi group stated it had launched a military operation targeting two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. They claimed the tankers violated recently announced maritime restrictions. The Houthis argued the attack was carried out because the vessels breached an embargo imposed by their armed forces on ships docking at Saudi Arabian ports.