The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has welcomed the announcement of an immediate ceasefire involving the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United States of America, and their respective allies.
According to H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this is “a significant step that reflects commendable leadership and a shared commitment to de-escalation.”
The ceasefire, announced by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, represents an important diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending hostilities and opening space for dialogue between the parties. As part of this effort, Pakistan has also extended an invitation for delegations to convene in Islamabad, with the aim of advancing discussions toward a comprehensive and lasting settlement of outstanding disputes.
US President, Donald Trump, has agreed to “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” if Tehran agrees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and other exports from the Gulf. Similarly, Iran agreed to allow vessels through the Hormuz Strait for two weeks, with their passage coordinated by the Iranian military.
This development emerges against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions that carry significant global consequences. The African Union Commission has consistently advocated for restraint and the peaceful settlement of conflicts, reinforcing its longstanding position in favour of dialogue as the preferred approach to resolving international crises. In this regard, the ceasefire aligns closely with the Commission’s broader diplomatic principles and its emphasis on cooperative engagement.
H.E. Youssouf further stressed that “the repercussions have been felt globally, including across Africa, where disruptions to fuel supplies have driven inflation and increased the cost of basic commodities.”
“This ceasefire presents a critical opportunity to ease the suffering of populations affected both directly and indirectly. Sustained dialogue and inclusive diplomacy will be essential to consolidating these gains.”
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
Additionally, the Chairperson expressed full support for the Islamabad Talks and urged all parties to maintain efforts toward achieving a durable and comprehensive peace. He reaffirmed that diplomacy and dialogue, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, remain the only viable path to resolving international crises, reinforcing the Commission’s position on peaceful conflict resolution.
Africa Navigates Economic Strain and Strategic Pressure
The Iran–US ceasefire comes at a moment when many countries across the African continent are grappling with the cascading consequences of a conflict originating far beyond their borders, linked to the broader US–Israeli war involving Iran.
Although geographically distant, the conflict carries wide-ranging global implications that directly affect African economies, making the continent vulnerable to external shocks transmitted through interconnected international systems.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf had framed the situation not only as a geopolitical challenge but also as a significant test of Africa’s economic and security resilience within an increasingly interconnected global order. The pressures being experienced are multifaceted, cutting across energy markets, trade logistics, and currency stability, all of which are central to the functioning of African economies.
Countries such as Kenya, Egypt, and Sudan which depend heavily on imported energy and fertilizers are already facing rising costs driven by disruptions in supply chains linked to instability in critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have led to adjustments in global shipping patterns, forcing vessels to take longer alternative routes. As a result, transport expenses and insurance premiums have increased, with these additional costs ultimately filtering down to consumers and businesses across African markets.
Moreover, while some oil-producing nations, including Angola and Nigeria, may benefit from higher export revenues due to elevated global oil prices, their economic gains are tempered by structural dependencies on imported refined petroleum products. This limits the extent to which increased revenues translate into broader economic stability.
At the same time, disruptions to global shipping and trade have been compounded by tensions in key maritime corridors, prompting vessels to reroute via alternatives such as the Cape of Good Hope. These adjustments have contributed to higher freight charges and increased insurance costs, placing additional strain on African trade flows.
According to Emmanuel Roger Motaze, a Cameroonian diplomat and a researcher in the field of diplomacy, the consequences extend further into financial markets. The rerouting of maritime trade and broader geopolitical uncertainty have contributed to shifts in global capital flows, including a “flight to safety” that has strengthened the US dollar. This has, in turn, led to the weakening of African currencies and most African economies.
READ ALSO : US-Iran Ceasefire Welcomed
