ECOWAS warns of severe consequences of Middle East crisis for Africa, vulnerable regions
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has associated with the statement of the African Union Commission (AUC) expressing its deep concern at the escalation of hostilities in the Gulf region.
According to a statement released on Sunday, ECOWAS said that the intensification of military actions risks worsening instability in the Middle East, with serious consequences for international peace and security in general and for global energy markets, trade and food supply chains, particularly for Africa and other vulnerable regions.
"(ECOWAS) therefore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and act in full conformity with the United Nations Charter and international law, in particular the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes," the statement said.
It added that the protection of civilian lives and critical infrastructure must remain paramount.
ECOWAS called for renewed diplomatic efforts in established international and regional frameworks to promote dialogue. to reduce tensions and restore stability.
"ECOWAS fully subscribes to the African Union’s statements on these developments and reaffirms West Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes," the statement said.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the weekend expressed "deep concern" over the military strikes launched by the US in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside the Islamic Republic of Iran, an escalation that marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Eastern Middle East, according to a statement from AUC.
The AU Commission Chair called for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue, stressing that all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the UN Charter to safeguard international peace and security.
-0- PANA TNDD/JSG/BBA/MA 2March2026
