The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is calling on parties in the escalating hostilities in the Gulf region to exercise maximum restraint and ensure full compliance to UN laws.
This follows rising tension after airstrikes between Israeli forces and their Iranian counterparts.
“The intensification of military action risks widening 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 especially for Africa and other vulnerable regions,” the sub regional bloc said in a statement.
It added that the protection of civilian lives and critical infrastructure must remain paramount.
Aside urging the warring parties to exercise restraint, Ecowas under the Chairmanship of Dr Julius Maada Bio, who is also the President of Sierra Leone, calls for renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks in order to promote dialogue, reduce tensions and restore stability.
“ECOWAS fully endorses African Union’s statements on this development and reaffirms West Africa’s commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”