Addis Ababa, September 17, 2026 (FMC) — The African Union Commission has warned that actions obstructing or threatening navigation along the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait could carry serious consequences for African economies, international trade, global supply chains and energy security.
The Commission made the warning while expressing deep concern over the recent military escalation in the Red Sea region, including attacks targeting the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and international maritime navigation.
In a statement, 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.
It expressed particular concern over reports of attempted attacks targeting Makkah and other holy cities in Saudi Arabia, stressing that holy sites, civilians and pilgrims visiting them must be fully protected and must under no circumstances become targets of military action.
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, emphasizing the strategic importance of the maritime route to the littoral states and the wider international community.
It underscored that the security of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait is also a major strategic interest for Africa, particularly for the states of the Horn of Africa and other Red Sea littoral states.
The Commission further warned against the risk of a wider regionalization of the ongoing confrontations in the Middle East, saying that their security, humanitarian and economic consequences would directly affect the African continent.
It therefore called for the immediate cessation of attacks against civilians, civilian and economic infrastructure, and commercial shipping, as well as respect for freedom of navigation and urgent de-escalation.
The Commission reiterated the need to prioritize dialogue and political avenues to prevent further expansion of hostilities and preserve peace, security and stability throughout the Red Sea region.