Statement of The Chairperson of The AU Commission on The Attack Targeting The Port of Damietta, Arab Republic of Egypt

The Chairperson of the African Union AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemns the drone attack carried out on 29 July 2026 against vessels stationed at the Port of Damietta in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Chairperson conveys the African Union’s full solidarity with the Government and people of Egypt. He commends the swift and effective response of the Egyptian authorities, which averted any loss of life, and expresses confidence in the ongoing investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

H.E. Mr. Youssouf underscores that the attack constitutes a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an African Union Member State. He stresses that Africa must not become a theatre for the spillover of conflicts originating beyond the continent, nor should its critical civilian infrastructure be exposed to such threats.

The Chairperson calls for maximum restraint and de-escalation and reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering commitment to international law, the safety and security of maritime navigation, and the protection of civilian infrastructure.

African Union Commission