International Desk: The African Union (AU) has reacted to the reported U.S. operation in Venezuela on January 3 and the alleged forcible detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Addressing the issue, African Union Commission Chairperson Youssouf, in an exclusive interview with China Media Group’s (CMG) “High-End Interview” program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 9, called for strict respect for international law.

He emphasized that the African Union urges the global community to uphold the principles of international law and underscored the responsibility of the Global South to take proactive steps in proposing viable alternatives to the increasingly fractured international system.

“This is a very serious matter for the international community,” Youssouf stated. “Yet, I choose to remain hopeful. I want to see alternatives to this collapsing international order, and I believe Africa, China, and other countries of the Global South should come forward to propose such alternatives. International law, along with the rules, norms, and regulations governing the global system, must be genuinely respected.”

He further added that the African Union strongly opposes any form of coercive action against the sitting leadership of a sovereign nation. “We have issued a statement calling on influential countries to respect the rule of law, international legal frameworks, and the immunity and protection afforded to heads of state. This reflects the firm position of the African Union,” he said.

Source: Xinhua-Touhid-Fei, China Media Group.