African Union urges dialogue amid escalating crisis in Venezuela

The African Union has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty of states and their territorial integrity, it said following the military attacks by the United States on Venezuela.

Citing reports of the abduction of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and military attacks targeting Venezuelan state institutions on Saturday, the AU said it was following developments with grave concerns.

"The African Union underscored the importance of dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for constitutional and institutional frameworks, in a spirit of good neighbourliness, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among nations," The AU said in a press statement released on Saturday.

It also emphasized that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.

"African Union expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterates its commitment to the promotion of peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations and regions," it pointed out.