By John Ikani
As Israel deliberates its response to an unprecedented Iranian aerial attack, several African countries have urged restraint to prevent further escalation.
The attack was purportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus which reportedly led to the extermination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers.
Despite Saturday’s assault on Israel, involving over 300 drones and missiles, with the majority intercepted, African nations like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Somalia stress the importance of de-escalation.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation urged all parties to exercise restraint, highlighting the fragile region’s vulnerability.
The call issued via microblogging platform X, previously known as Twitter, stressed that “all parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any act that would escalate tensions in a particularly fragile region”.
South Africa concerned at possible escalation of hostilities in the Middle East – DIRCO https://t.co/lVv9izdUqO
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) April 14, 2024
Kenyan President William Ruto echoed the same sentiment, stressing the threat to international peace and security posed by the Iranian attack.
According to him, the Iranian attack “represents a real and present threat to international peace and security.”
Kenya is deeply concerned by Iran's attack on the State of Israel. This disturbing development only serves to aggravate an already delicate situation in the Middle East. The attack represents a real and present threat to international peace and security, contravenes the Charter…
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 14, 2024
On its part, Somalia called upon the international community to “take swift and decisive action to de-escalate the situation and reduce the risk of further conflict.”
https://twitter.com/MOFASomalia/status/1779586708180234438
Similarly, the Nigerian foreign ministry urged Israel and Iran to “reflect on the universal commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts”.
https://twitter.com/NigeriaMFA/status/1779570905162621137
Why the responses matter
Africa’s fragile peace and development efforts could be undermined by heightened tensions in the Middle East, affecting trade, security cooperation, and diplomatic relations.
To start with, disruptions in global oil markets, resulting from the conflict, may impact African economies heavily reliant on oil imports and exports.
The possibility of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran raises concerns about broader regional destabilization, potentially spilling over into neighbouring countries in Africa.
On diplomacy, African nations may face diplomatic pressure to align with either side of the conflict, potentially causing division within the continent.
What you should know
While several African nations are yet to issue statements on the Israel-Iran tension, it is worthwhile to know that Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have in the past, shown support for Israel’s position in the Israel-Gaza conflict which has escalated to Israel-Iran tensions.
However, it’s essential to note that their support may not extend specifically to the Israel-Iran tension.
On the flip side, the majority of African countries align with Palestine’s views on the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Historical ties and solidarity are prominent factors influencing many African nations to lean towards supporting Palestine.
Ultimately, it is important to note that the geopolitical landscape can evolve, and individual nations may reassess their stances based on unique geopolitical interests and diplomatic considerations.
