AU Calls for Restraint amid Strikes In Middle East

The African Union (AU) has called for restraint, immediate de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement after a sharp rise in hostilities in the Middle East.

In a statement released on Saturday, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf,  the Chairperson of the African Union Commission expressed grave concern over coordinated military strikes carried out by the United States alongside Israel against targets inside Iran. He described the development as a dangerous escalation that significantly intensifies tensions in an already volatile region.

The outbreak of open confrontation between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other has triggered widespread international appeals for calm. The joint strikes have further strained diplomatic efforts, particularly as Washington had remained engaged in sensitive nuclear negotiations with Tehran prior to the attacks.

Criticism has mounted against the United States for participating in military operations while diplomatic discussions were still ongoing. Meanwhile, frustration has also emerged across several Gulf nations, where Iranian retaliatory missile attacks have reportedly targeted US military installations stationed on their territories. The widening scope of the conflict has heightened fears of broader regional instability.

Against this backdrop, Youssouf called on all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and take urgent steps to lower tensions. He stressed that dialogue remains the only credible and sustainable path toward resolving disputes of such magnitude, cautioning that continued military engagement could produce consequences far beyond the immediate battlefield.

“All parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security,” he stated.

By invoking the United Nations framework, the AU Chairperson underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing threats to global stability. He warned that actions perceived as unilateral or disproportionate risk undermining confidence in international institutions established to prevent and manage crises.

Youssouf framed the confrontation not merely as a regional emergency but as a matter of global significance. According to him, further escalation could aggravate already fragile international conditions, deepening instability in multiple regions.

He highlighted the potential ripple effects on global energy supplies, food systems, and economic resilience. Volatility in oil markets, disruptions to trade routes, and rising commodity prices could severely impact vulnerable economies, particularly across Africa. Many countries on the continent, he noted, are still grappling with internal conflicts, inflationary pressures, debt vulnerabilities, and slow post-pandemic recovery.

In this context, he emphasized that Africa remains especially susceptible to external shocks driven by geopolitical upheaval. A prolonged conflict in the Middle East, he suggested, could compound existing socioeconomic challenges facing numerous African states.

The AU Chairperson therefore urged all stakeholders to prioritize diplomatic engagement over confrontation. He made particular reference to ongoing mediation initiatives facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, describing such efforts as critical channels for easing tensions and fostering communication between adversaries.

According to Youssouf, strengthening mediation and confidence-building measures offers the best opportunity to prevent further deterioration. By supporting constructive dialogue, the international community can help steer the crisis away from sustained conflict and toward negotiated settlement.

While the statement acknowledged reported coordination between US and Israeli forces, it stopped short of assigning direct blame. Instead, the focus remained firmly on the urgent need to halt escalation and restore diplomatic momentum.

At a time when formal negotiation channels appear strained yet still functional, the AU’s intervention highlights the importance of preserving space for diplomacy. By drawing attention to Oman’s facilitation role, Youssouf reinforced the value of regional actors in bridging divides and sustaining communication during periods of heightened hostility.

He reiterated the African Union’s longstanding principle that force cannot substitute for dialogue in resolving entrenched disputes. “Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force,” he affirmed, emphasizing that inclusive negotiations grounded in mutual respect and adherence to international law are indispensable to durable peace.

Ultimately, the AU Chairperson’s message centered on the risks associated with continued military confrontation and the pressing need to return to negotiations. He appealed to all sides to consider the broader implications of their actions, not only for the Middle East but for global peace, economic stability, and the welfare of populations far removed from the immediate conflict zone.

As tensions remain high, the African Union has positioned itself as a consistent advocate for calm, multilateral cooperation, and strict observance of international law. Through his remarks, Youssouf reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to diplomatic solutions and collective security, underscoring that meaningful dialogue remains the cornerstone of lasting peace.