Wayne Lumbasi
Several African governments, alongside the African Union, have strongly condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states following the latest escalation in the Middle East. The strikes, which targeted countries including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, have drawn sharp criticism from across the African continent amid growing fears of a wider regional conflict.
The African Union issued a firm statement denouncing the attacks as violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for immediate restraint and urged all parties to return to dialogue, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize not only the Middle East but also global economic systems that directly affect African economies.
The Somalia government described the strikes as acts of aggression against sovereign nations and expressed solidarity with the affected Gulf states. Mogadishu emphasized the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilian populations, while affirming the right of nations to defend their territorial integrity.
In Kenya, President William Ruto condemned the attacks and voiced concern over the implications for regional and global stability. Nairobi stressed the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation, highlighting the potential economic consequences for African states reliant on Gulf trade and energy partnerships.
Other African governments also joined in denouncing the strikes. Chad and Morocco both issued statements criticizing the missile assaults and reaffirming support for the sovereignty of Gulf nations. Their leaders described the attacks as actions that risk deepening instability in an already fragile region.
While several countries took a clear position condemning the strikes, others adopted a more cautious tone. South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria, Libya and Ghana focused their statements on urging restraint and dialogue rather than directly condemning Tehran. These governments emphasized the importance of diplomacy, warning that prolonged confrontation could have severe humanitarian and economic repercussions.
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and several regional actors, raising concerns about disruptions to global oil supplies, shipping routes and financial markets. African leaders have expressed particular anxiety about the ripple effects on fuel prices, food security and trade flows, which could further strain economies already grappling with inflation and external debt pressures.
As the situation unfolds, African governments continue to press for de-escalation, diplomatic negotiations and a return to stability, underscoring the continent’s growing voice in global security matters and its vested interest in preventing a broader regional war.
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