The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed deep concern over the escalating military tensions in the Middle East, cautioning that further hostilities could destabilise the global order.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Youssouf said he was troubled by reports of United States military strikes, carried out in coordination with Israeli forces, against targets inside Iran. He described the development as a serious intensification of conflict in the region.
He called for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue, urging all parties to act in full compliance with international law and the United Nations Charter to preserve international peace and security.
Youssouf warned that continued escalation could heighten global instability, with significant repercussions for energy markets, food security and economic resilience, particularly across Africa where conflict and economic pressures remain acute.
The AU Commission Chairperson further appealed to all actors involved to prioritise diplomatic engagement and uphold the international rules-based order. “Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force,” he stated.