The Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) has expressed concern over escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, warning that the crisis could trigger far-reaching consequences for global peace, trade, and food security.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone.
This comes amid the US and Israel’s military strikes on Iran, prompting calls for restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation
Julius Maada Bio, in the statement, cautioned that intensifying military action in the Gulf risks widening instability across the Middle East, with serious implications for international peace and security.
“The intensification of military action risks widening 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, especially for Africa and other vulnerable regions.
He also emphasized that the protection of civilian lives and critical infrastructure must remain paramount amid the unfolding crisis.
ECOWAS called for renewed diplomatic engagement through established international and regional mechanisms to de-escalate tensions.
The bloc reiterated West Africa’s support for peaceful conflict resolution, saying dialogue and international cooperation are the most effective paths toward sustainable peace.
The development stems from an escalation in regional tensions after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
Nairametrics reported that Israel imposed security restrictions, banning public gatherings, closing schools and workplaces, and relocating hospital patients to underground facilities.