‘The entire region is sliding into chaos’: Africa reacts to the Middle East crisis

Regional blocs have called for restraint, while flights are suspended

African nations and regional blocs have responded to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, after US-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian figures, as well as hundreds of civilians, including more than 100 people in a strike on a school in the southern city of Minab.

In retaliation, Iran has launched large waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US military bases scattered across the Gulf region – in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

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AU and ECOWAS response 

The African Union (AU) has issued an urgent call for restraint and diplomacy in response to the recent escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. In a press statement on Saturday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern about the military strikes by the US and Israel against targets inside Iran, describing the developments as a “serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East.”

Ali Youssouf emphasized that all parties must act in full compliance with international law and the UN Charter, and called for urgent de-escalation, sustained dialogue, and renewed diplomatic engagement.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) warned that intensifying hostilities in the Gulf region could have serious repercussions for food supply chains and trade.

“ECOWAS further calls for renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks in order to promote dialogue, reduce tensions, and restore stability,” the bloc emphasized.

National reactions: Concern over escalation

Several African governments have reacted to the hostilities in the Middle East, largely echoing the AU’s call for restraint and diplomatic resolution. Chad, Tunisia, Gambia, Senegal, Tanzania, Seychelles, and Ghana expressed deep concern over the escalation of the conflict, calling on all parties to restraint.

South Africa and Nigeria highlighted the broader geopolitical and economic implications, urging all parties to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue.

“We urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed. He added that “anticipatory self-defense is not permitted under international law.”

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Egypt expressed grave concern. The Foreign Ministry warned that the situation carries “risks it entails of expanding the scope of the conflict and leading to the entire region sliding into a state of total chaos, which will undoubtedly have disastrous repercussions on regional and international security, stability, and peace.”

Libya expressed “deep regret and firm rejection of the military escalation in the region targeting Iran by Israel,” warning of the risks of an expansion of the confrontation and “negative repercussions on the security and stability of the entire region.” The Libyan Foreign Ministry also condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes as “the violation of the sovereignty” of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, “considering this a breach of the principles of good neighborliness and respect for state sovereignty as stipulated in international law.”

Morocco condemned the Iranian missile attacks, calling them a blatant “flagrant violation of the national sovereignty of these states.”

Somaliland’s statement

Somaliland condemned the retaliatory Iranian missile strikes on Gulf states. In an official statement, its government said it “stands in full solidarity with its fraternal countries in rejecting this unjustified aggression, which threatens regional peace and stability.” In December, Israel became the first and only state to formally recognize Somaliland as independent, drawing criticism from Somalia, which considers the region part of its sovereign territory.

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Kenya condemned the strikes on Gulf states and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing peaceful engagement and adherence to international law.

Ethiopia has not issued a formal statement, although Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a telephone conversation with the crown prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, condemning Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory as violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sudan expressed similar condemnation.

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Air travel disruption

EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines have suspended or rerouted several flights to Middle Eastern destinations due to regional airspace closures and security concerns.

EgyptAir has halted flights from Cairo to cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Amman, Beirut, and Dammam, advising passengers to check bookings for updates. 

Ethiopian Airlines has similarly canceled or adjusted flights to Amman, Beirut, Bahrain, Tel Aviv, Doha, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam.

Kenya Airways, the flag carrier of Kenya, has temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai and Sharjah due to the Gulf airspace closure.

Protests

Following the death of Ali Khamenei, protests in support of Iran emerged in Nigeria. The Shiite Islamic Movement took to the streets in the states of Gombe, Kano, Niger, Yobe, Sokoto, Bauchi, expressing solidarity with Tehran and condemning the actions of the US and Israel. The demonstrations drew significant attention, but remained largely peaceful.

In Morocco, the authorities broke up an unauthorized protest in Rabat against the war.