AU Urges Restraint, Dialogue Following US Strike In Venezuela

The African Union (AU) has expressed grave concern over recent developments in Venezuela, including the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro and military strikes in the South American country.

In a communiqué released on Saturday, the continental body said it was closely monitoring the situation, describing the developments as deeply troubling.

“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 partly read.

The AU reaffirmed its commitment to the core principles of international law, particularly respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

It stressed the importance of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, urging respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks in the spirit of good neighbourliness, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among nations.

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According to the AU, Venezuela’s complex internal challenges can only be sustainably resolved through inclusive political dialogue led by Venezuelans themselves.

“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 stated.

The organisation also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations and regions.

It called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and responsibility, and to respect international law in order to prevent any escalation of the crisis and preserve regional peace and stability.

President Donald Trump on Saturday said that United States forces had captured Maduro during what he described as a large-scale operation against Venezuela.

In posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Maduro and his wife were apprehended in an operation carried out with US law enforcement agencies and flown out of the country.

He later shared a photo purporting to show the Venezuelan leader in custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, with Maduro blindfolded, handcuffed, and wearing noise-cancelling earmuffs.

Trump said he would provide further details at a news conference scheduled for later in the day at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

He also described the operation as “brilliant” in comments to The New York Times.

The claim follows months of escalating US military and economic pressure on Venezuela, including an expanded naval presence in the Caribbean, an oil blockade, and strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking infrastructure.

While Trump has accused Venezuela of drug exports and the seizure of US oil interests, the United States and several European countries do not recognise Maduro’s legitimacy as president.