By Ebi Kesiena
The African Union (AU) has condemned the drone attack that targeted vessels at Egypt’s Port of Damietta, describing the incident as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and warning against the spread of external conflicts into Africa.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed the AU’s full solidarity with the Egyptian government and its people following the attack.
Preliminary investigations by Egyptian authorities revealed that fires which broke out on two ships docked at the Mediterranean port were caused by a drone strike. No casualties were recorded, as emergency responders swiftly brought the situation under control.
Youssouf commended the prompt and effective response of Egyptian authorities, noting that their actions prevented any loss of life. He also expressed confidence in the ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The AU Commission Chairperson said the attack represented a serious breach of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an African Union member state.
He stressed that Africa must not become a battleground for conflicts originating outside the continent, warning that the continent’s critical civilian infrastructure should not be exposed to such security threats.
Youssouf further called for maximum restraint and de-escalation, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to upholding international law, ensuring the safety and security of maritime navigation, and protecting civilian infrastructure.
Earlier, in a statement released during the week, the Egyptian cabinet confirmed that preliminary findings indicated the fires “resulted from a drone,” adding that no individual or group had claimed responsibility for the attack.
Egyptian authorities said investigations remain ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and to strengthen measures aimed at safeguarding the country’s national security.
The drone strike damaged two gas vessels at the Port of Damietta, one of Egypt’s key Mediterranean maritime facilities. Maritime analytics firm Kpler said the incident temporarily disrupted operations at one of the country’s major liquefied natural gas (LNG) import hubs.
Despite the attack, the Damietta Port Authority said operations at the port have continued without interruption, with vessel movements, cargo handling, and other port services proceeding as normal.
