The African Union has called for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue
According to a statement, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is deeply concerned by military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside Iran, an escalation that marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East.
The outbreak of conflict between Israel and the United States against Iran, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes across Iran, has drawn calls for calm across the globe.
Criticism has mounted against Washington for taking part in the attacks while still engaged in nuclear negotiations with Tehran. Anger has also surfaced in Gulf states caught up in the conflict, as Iran launches retaliatory missile strikes against US military assets hosted on their soil.
The Chairperson called for restraint from all parties involved and urged urgent steps toward de-escalation. He emphasized that sustained dialogue remains the only viable path forward, warning that continued military action could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate theater of operations.
“All parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security.”
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
Youssouf’s remarks reflect the African Union’s broader commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
By invoking the United Nations Charter, he underscored the need for collective responsibility in addressing threats to peace and security. He warned that actions perceived as unilateral or disproportionate risk eroding trust in international mechanisms designed to manage crises.
Youssouf framed the situation not only as a regional crisis but also as a matter of international concern, cautioning that further escalation threatens to deepen global instability.
He pointed to the potential ripple effects on energy markets, food security, and broader economic resilience, particularly for vulnerable regions.
Africa, he noted, remains especially exposed to external shocks stemming from geopolitical turmoil, as many countries on the continent continue to face conflict, inflationary pressures, and fragile recovery trajectories.
Parties Urged To Prioritize Diplomatic Engagement
Against this backdrop, Youssouf urged all concerned actors to prioritize diplomatic engagement. He specifically referenced ongoing international mediation efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, describing such initiatives as vital channels for reducing tensions and preventing further deterioration.
By supporting mediation and confidence-building measures, he said, the international community can help steer the situation away from confrontation and toward dialogue.
While refraining from attributing blame beyond acknowledging the reported coordination between US and Israeli forces, Youssouf maintained a focus on the need to prevent further escalation.
The call for dialogue comes at a moment when diplomatic channels are under strain but remain active. By pointing to mediation efforts in Oman, Youssouf underscored the importance of regional actors in facilitating communication between adversaries. He suggested that reinforcing such efforts could help de-escalate tensions before they spiral into a broader confrontation.
The Chairperson reiterated that diplomacy, rather than force, offers the only sustainable solution to entrenched disputes. “Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force,” he stated, reinforcing a longstanding principle of the African Union’s approach to conflict resolution.
He maintained that inclusive dialogue grounded in mutual respect and international law remains essential to building durable peace arrangements.
Ultimately, the Chairperson’s message centered on the risks associated with continued hostilities and the urgent need for a return to negotiation. He appealed to all parties to recognize the broader stakes involved, not only for the Middle East but also for global stability and the well-being of populations far beyond the immediate conflict zone.
As tensions persist, the African Union’s leadership has positioned itself as an advocate for calm and adherence to international law. Through his statement, Youssouf conveyed solidarity with efforts aimed at reducing conflict and reaffirmed the principle that diplomacy remains the cornerstone of sustainable peace.
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