In a somber statement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) joined the African Union Commission in expressing its "deep concern" over the escalating hostilities in the Gulf region.

ECOWAS has called on all international actors to exercise "maximum restraint" to avoid a widespread conflagration. "The intensification of military actions risks exacerbating 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 in particular, for Africa and other vulnerable regions," the sub-regional organization warned.

ECOWAS calls on the warring parties to "act in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law." "The protection of civilian lives and critical infrastructure must remain paramount," reiterates Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the ECOWAS Commission, who also calls for "a renewal of diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks to promote dialogue, reduce tensions, and restore stability."

As a reminder, the Gulf region is experiencing one of the most serious crises in its recent history. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a series of massive military strikes on Iranian territory. These attacks, described as "preventive," targeted strategic nuclear and military infrastructure and resulted in several deaths, including that of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the 1989 Islamic Revolution.

In response, Iran launched waves of missiles and drones that struck targets in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha) and Bahrain, notably targeting American bases.