African Union urges calm in Tunisia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

The African Union on Tuesday urged Tunisians to uphold the Constitution, maintain peace and reject "all forms of violence.’’

The Pan African body issued a statement that noted Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat was monitoring the situation and had a telephone conversation with Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi.

"The Chairperson expressed the commitment of the African Union Commission to the strict respect of the Tunisian constitution, the necessary maintenance of peace, the rejection of all forms of violence, and the promotion of political dialogue to resolve the problems at hand,” it said.

It added that authorities shall “respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Tunisian people, especially its youth.”

Tunisian President Kais Saied suspended the National Assembly and removed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi early Sunday following mass demonstrations.