By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The escalating military conflict in the Middle East is expected to have significant repercussions for Africa, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS has warned.
The crisis began when Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran early Saturday, sparking concerns over global energy supplies and economic stability. ECOWAS joined the African Union in expressing alarm at the unfolding situation.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko cautioned that with 30 to 40 percent of the world’s oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict could trigger a surge in energy prices, severely affecting the cost of living across the continent.
Morocco has established a crisis unit to support its citizens in the Middle East. Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring developments and has made emergency contact lines available to expatriates.
African Union chairman Mahamoud Ali Youssouf urged “restraint, urgent de-escalation, and sustained dialogue,” highlighting that the crisis threatens energy markets, food security, and Africa’s economic resilience. “Conflict and economic pressures remain acute across the continent,” he added.
As international attention focuses on the Middle East, African leaders stress the need for proactive measures to mitigate the potential fallout on trade, energy, and livelihoods.
