African Union expresses concern over reported abduction of Venezuela’s President

The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, citing reports of the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and military attacks on state institutions.

In a communiqué, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to the core principles of international law, including respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The continental body emphasised the importance of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, urging all actors to respect constitutional and institutional frameworks to ensure stability and peaceful coexistence.

“The African Union is following with grave concern the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, including reports of the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and military attacks on Venezuelan institutions,” the communiqué stated.

“We reaffirm our 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, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”

The AU said Venezuela’s complex internal challenges can only be sustainably resolved through inclusive political dialogue among Venezuelans, warning against actions that could exacerbate tensions or undermine national cohesion.

It expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and mutual respect between nations and regions.

The AU further called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and responsibility and to uphold international law to prevent any escalation that could threaten regional peace.

According to the BBC, US Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Former President Donald Trump claimed that the US captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and launched “large-scale” strikes against Venezuela, adding that Maduro had been flown out of the country, though details remain scarce.

Earlier, Venezuela declared a state of national emergency and condemned what it called “military aggression.”

“My heart was pumping and my legs were shaking,” an eyewitness in Caracas told the BBC as explosions rocked the city. Footage showed massive plumes of smoke as fires raged.

Explosions were reported in several parts of Caracas, including military installations. La Carlota, a central military airfield, and Fuerte Tiuna, the main military base, were reportedly affected, with video circulating of apparent explosions at both sites.

Several surrounding communities were left without power, and there were unconfirmed reports of planes flying over the city.

The developments come amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela, as Washington continues military operations against speedboats in the Caribbean alleged to be carrying drugs.

The US has maintained that President Maduro was illegitimately elected and is personally involved in drug trafficking.

The Venezuelan government said recent actions by Washington—including the confiscation of sanctioned oil tankers—are part of a broader effort to remove President Maduro from power and gain control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.