The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over the abduction of Mr. Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan President, and military attacks on the country’s institutions.
The African continental body disclosed this in a communique issued via its website on Saturday night, against the backdrop of the situation in Venezuela.
According to the communique, the AU followed with grave concern the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including reports of Maduro’s abduction and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions.
“The AU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty of States, their territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination.”
This, according to the AU, is as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
The organisation further 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 emphasises that the complex internal challenges facing Venezuela can only be sustainably addressed through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans themselves.
“The AU expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterates its commitment to the promotion of peace, stability, and mutual respect among nations and regions.
“The AU calls upon all parties concerned to exercise restraint, responsibility, and respect for international law to prevent any escalation and to preserve regional peace and stability,” it said.
As at the time of filing this report, the Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court had ordered that Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez assume the role of acting-president of the country in the absence of Maduro being detained in an operation by U.S. forces.
The court ruling disclosed that Rodríguez would assume the office of Venezuela President, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation.
Also the court will debate the matter to determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee continuity of the State, administration of government, and defence of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the country’s president
