The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed deep concern over the escalating military confrontation between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, warning of far-reaching consequences for global peace and economic stability.
In a press statement issued by the AU Commission, the Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said he was “deeply concerned” by reported military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside Iran. He described the development as a serious escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Mr. Youssouf called for immediate restraint and urgent de-escalation, urging all parties involved to adhere strictly to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter in order to safeguard global peace and security.
He warned that continued military escalation could worsen global instability, with significant implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience—particularly across Africa, where many countries are already grappling with conflict and economic pressures.
The AU Chairperson also encouraged renewed diplomatic engagement, including ongoing mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at preventing further deterioration of the crisis and preserving the international rules-based order.
“Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force,” Mr. Youssouf stressed.
Similarly, ECOWAS, under the chairmanship of Julius Maada Bio, called on all sides in the US–Iran conflict to exercise maximum restraint and commit to renewed dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
The West African regional bloc emphasized that heightened tensions in the Middle East could have adverse economic and security repercussions beyond the region, underscoring the need for collective international efforts to prevent further escalation.
