The African Union (AU) is quite worried about what has been happening in Venezuela lately, with the US arresting President Nicolás Maduro and military strikes in the South American country.
The continental body stated in a statement posted yesterday that it was keeping a close eye on the situation and called the events “deeply troubling.”
Part of the statement said, “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 AU reiterated its commitment to the key principles of international law, including the UN Charter’s guarantee of the right of people to self-determination and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
It underlined how important it is to talk things over and settle disagreements peacefully. It also called for respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks in the spirit of good neighborliness, cooperation, and peaceful cohabitation among nations.
The AU says that the only way to overcome Venezuela’s complicated internal problems in a way that lasts is through political discussion that includes all Venezuelans.
The statement said, “The African Union stresses that the complicated problems Venezuela is facing can only be solved in the long term through political dialogue that includes all Venezuelans.”
The group also said it was with the Venezuelan people and said it will keep working for peace, stability, and respect across countries and regions.
It asked everyone engaged to be responsible and show moderation, and to follow international law to stop the crisis from getting worse and keep peace and stability in the region.
President Trump announced yesterday that US troops had taken Maduro prisoner during what he called a large-scale assault against Venezuela.
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that Maduro and his wife were caught in an operation with US law enforcement and flown out of the country.
Later, he posted a picture that he said showed the Venezuelan leader in captivity on the USS Iwo Jima, with Maduro blindfolded, handcuffed, and wearing noise-canceling headphones.
Trump claimed he would give more information at a news conference later that day at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.
He also called the operation “brilliant” in an interview with The New York Times.
The assertion comes after months of increasing military and economic pressure from the US on Venezuela, including more navy ships in the Caribbean, an oil blockade, and strikes against what are thought to be drug trafficking infrastructure.
Trump has said that Venezuela is exporting drugs and taking over US energy interests, but the US and some European countries do not recognize Maduro as president.
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