Joseph Bakare
Africa should be on high alert as a prolonged conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran could unleash far-reaching economic and security consequences for West Africa and the broader African continent.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed this deep concern over escalating hostilities in the Gulf region, via a statement issued under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio.
The 12-member regional bloc aligned itself with the position of the African Union Commission, which has also voiced unease over intensifying military exchanges.
ECOWAS noted that the Gulf remains central to global oil and gas supplies, accounting for a significant share of international crude exports. For West African economies — many of which export crude oil but depend on imported refined petroleum products — volatility in global energy markets could rapidly translate into domestic inflation, currency pressures and rising transport and food costs.
The bloc further highlighted the Gulf’s strategic role in global trade, pointing to key maritime corridors linked to the Strait of Hormuz that facilitate the movement of energy supplies and commercial goods between Asia, Europe and Africa.
Any disruption to these routes, it warned, risks compounding supply chain fragilities that have persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Food-import-dependent countries in West Africa face particular vulnerability. Many rely heavily on imported wheat, fertiliser and other agricultural inputs sourced through global supply chains sensitive to geopolitical shocks. Previous international crises have demonstrated how quickly distant conflicts can trigger price spikes and worsen food insecurity across the region.
The bloc urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and adhere strictly to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. It stressed that civilian lives and critical infrastructure must be protected at all times.
The regional bloc also called for renewed diplomatic engagement within established international and regional frameworks, maintaining that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to de-escalation.
Analysts observe that ECOWAS’ swift alignment with the African Union reflects broader concern about the cumulative impact of global instability on African economies already grappling with high debt burdens, currency depreciation and climate-related pressures. Rising energy prices could strain public finances, while shipping disruptions may intensify shortages of essential commodities.
As tensions mount in the Gulf, ECOWAS signalled that West Africa is closely monitoring developments and urging diplomacy over escalation in the interest of regional and global stability.