The African Union Commission has expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation in the Red Sea region, condemning attacks on Saudi Arabian territory and international maritime navigation while warning that the crisis threatens to engulf the African continent.

In a strongly worded statement issued from its headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Commission condemned attacks carried out by the Houthis against civilian targets and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Holy Sites Must Be Protected

The Commission expressed particular concern over reports of attempted attacks targeting Makkah and other holy cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“It stresses that holy sites, as well as civilians and pilgrims visiting them, must be fully protected and must under no circumstances become targets of military action,” the statement read.

The warning underscores the gravity of a conflict that has already disrupted one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors and now threatens sites of immense religious significance to millions of Muslims worldwide.

Freedom of Navigation at Risk

The Commission strongly reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in accordance with international law.

“Any action aimed at obstructing or threatening navigation along this strategic maritime route poses a serious risk not only to the littoral States, but also to international trade, global supply chains, energy security and African economies,” the Commission warned.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway between Yemen and the Horn of Africa that serves as a gateway for a substantial portion of global trade — including oil shipments and commercial goods — traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Disruption to this route has far-reaching consequences for economies worldwide.

A Strategic Interest for Africa

The Commission underscored that the security of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a major strategic interest for Africa, particularly for the States of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea littoral States.

For countries such as Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and Egypt, the stability of this waterway is not merely a matter of international concern but a direct national interest. These nations rely on the Red Sea for trade, energy imports, and economic connectivity.

Warning Against Regionalization

The Commission warned against the risk of a further regionalization of the ongoing confrontations in the Middle East, whose security, humanitarian, and economic consequences would directly affect the African continent.

This warning reflects growing fears that what began as a localized conflict could spiral into a broader regional confrontation, drawing in multiple actors and destabilizing an already fragile neighborhood.

Call for Immediate De-escalation

The Commission called for:

• The immediate cessation of attacks against civilians, civilian and economic infrastructure, and commercial shipping
• Respect for freedom of navigation in accordance with international law
• Urgent de-escalation to prevent further hostilities

The Commission reiterated the need to prioritize dialogue and political avenues in order to prevent a further expansion of hostilities and preserve peace, security, and stability throughout the Red Sea region.

A Continent Watching Closely

The African Union’s intervention highlights the continent’s deep stake in the stability of the Red Sea corridor. With global supply chains already strained by multiple crises, any prolonged disruption to this strategic route would have severe implications for African economies — from soaring import costs to delayed humanitarian aid.

The Commission’s statement serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging all parties to step back from the brink and pursue diplomatic solutions before the situation escalates beyond control.

As the world watches the Red Sea with growing anxiety, the African Union has made its position clear: peace, stability, and respect for international law must prevail.

Media Inquiries

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh
Spokesperson of the AUC Chairperson
African Union Commission
Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia