The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned the drone attack carried out on 29 July 2026 against the historic and strategically important Port of Damietta in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The attack, which targeted commercial vessels docked at the port, highlights the growing security challenges facing the region and underscores the urgent need for greater attention to peace and security across the African continent.
According to the Chairperson's statement, the incident is not merely a criminal act but a matter of continental concern with far-reaching political and economic implications.
According to the statement, the African Union reaffirmed its deep solidarity with the Government and the people of Egypt. The Commission also praised the swift and coordinated response of Egypt's security forces, emergency personnel, and other relevant authorities following the attack.
Their rapid intervention prevented greater damage to property and, most importantly, ensured that there was no loss of human life. Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf further expressed the AU's full confidence in the comprehensive investigation being conducted by the Egyptian authorities to identify those responsible, uncover any actors behind the attack, establish the full circumstances of the incident, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This analysis indicates that one of the central themes of the Chairperson's statement is the violation of national sovereignty. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stressed that the attack represents a serious infringement on the territorial integrity of a sovereign African Union member state.
He also warned that geopolitical conflicts and rivalries originating outside Africa, particularly in the Middle East and the Red Sea region, must not spill over onto African soil or turn the continent into a theatre for proxy wars.
The statement clearly reflects the African Union's firm position that Africa's security should not be destabilised by crises originating in other regions and sends a strong message that the continent must not become a battleground for external powers.
The Commission also strongly argued that critical civilian infrastructure and international commercial hubs such as the Port of Damietta must never become targets of terrorist or military attacks. The Port of Damietta is not only vital to Egypt but also serves as a strategic economic gateway for Africa and European markets through the transportation of oil and natural gas.
The security of maritime trade routes, civilian vessels, and port facilities is essential for Africa's economic growth and the smooth functioning of global commerce. Consequently, targeting such economic lifelines constitutes a clear violation of international law while also undermining regional peace and stability. Attacks of this nature have the potential to disrupt global supply chains and impose significant economic burdens on developing countries.
In sum, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission called on all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from any military or provocative actions that could escalate tensions, and pursue peaceful diplomatic solutions aimed at de-escalation. He reaffirmed the African Union's unwavering commitment to upholding international law, safeguarding freedom and security of maritime navigation, and protecting critical civilian infrastructure from all forms of attack.
The statement concludes by emphasising that this continental position reflects Africa's determination to shape its own future and preserve its peace and security. Finally, readers are encouraged to stay informed with timely and accurate information and to follow Keyir Times for further African and international political analysis.
