African countries’ response to the escalating Iran-Israel conflict

As the Middle East edges toward wider war, African countries add their voices to global calls for de-escalation, recognizing that peace anywhere is peace everywhere, following Israel’s massive Operation Rising Lion airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and strategic sites.

The latest escalation follows Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, a coordinated military campaign involving over 200 fighter jets targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, drone production centers, oil refineries, intelligence bases, and key civilian airports, including Mashhad International Airport. The operation reportedly killed top commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and several civilians.

In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3 on June 13, firing ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drones, into Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Significant damage was reported, including destruction at the Haifa oil refinery and civilian neighborhoods.

According to The Times of India over 200 Israeli fighter jets were involved in the initial offensive, targeting sites deep within Iran, while Iranian retaliation inflicted heavy psychological and physical tolls on Israel’s civilian population.

In the wake of these developments, a wave of statements from African governments and leaders reflect a continent that remains deeply invested in global peace, committed to international law, yet mindful of its own diverse diplomatic alliances.

In light of the escalation, world leaders have spoken to Iranian and Israeli top officials, fearing a possible regional war.

Here is what some African countries have said:

South Africa was one of the first to respond. In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on June 13, the government expressed “deep concern” over Israel’s attacks on Iran and extended condolences to the families of all victims of the Iranian people. “We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes,” the statement read.

South Africa urged maximum restraint by all parties and called for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Middle East.

“We support ongoing bilateral discussions, such as those between the USA and Iran, and reaffirm the critical importance of establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East,” it added

Kenya condemned Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks and called for global leadership in defusing the crisis. In a statement on June 13, the country’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, expressed concern over the escalation and referenced Kenya’s prior support for a UN resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We are following with deep concern the escalating situation in the Middle East that has the potential to spiral out of control with grievous implications for regional and global peace and security,” Sing’oei said.

He however urged both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful means, consistent with the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations.

“The conflict is a clear reason why we need a Security Council that functions and acts in the best interest of all,” he stated.

Without naming names, Kenya’s statement subtly criticized the inaction of key Security Council members, urging structural reform in global peacekeeping systems.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a measured statement urging both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions. The June 13 statement warned that Israel’s “preemptive strike” had dangerously heightened regional tensions.

“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability,” the ministry noted.

The country further urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.

“The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law. Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region,” the statement added.

Abuja, while taking a neutral stance. reaffirmed its support for dialogue, international law, and constructive engagement over military confrontation.

Egypt, a traditional mediator in Middle East crises, condemned Israel’s actions as “a blatant and extremely dangerous regional escalation” and “a flagrant violation of international law.”

“The arrogance of power will not bring security to any state in the region, including Israel,” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said.

“Genuine security can only be achieved through respect for sovereignty, unity, and the territorial integrity of states,” it further stated.

Cairo also reiterated that the resolution of regional crises lies in politics, not warfare.

President John Dramani Mahama warned that Ghana, like many African economies, is not immune to the global economic shocks caused by the conflict.

“Despite the work we have done in stabilizing the economy, Ghana is not immune from the shocks of global events,” Mahama said.

“The recent exchange of missiles between Israel and Iran has started to escalate crude oil prices dramatically.”

His comments point to the conflict’s indirect impact on African livelihoods, especially in energy-importing countries.

Tunisia, echoing the Arab League, took a strong pro-Iran stance.

According to TAP News Agency: “Tunisia strongly condemns the treacherous Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is a flagrant breach of the UN Charter and all international laws and norms, undermining the pillars of security, peace, and stability throughout the entire world.”

Namibia offered a broader perspective, warning of the global ripple effects. Executive Director of International Relations, Penda Naanda, remarked:

“Markets are interconnected, and what happens in one part of the world affects us all, including our commodities and our pockets.”

Africa may not be a direct party to the Iran-Israel conflict, but its leaders are asserting the continent’s moral and strategic stakes in global affairs.

From Pretoria to Nairobi, Abuja to Tunis, the common threads are clear: a call for restraint, a demand for justice, and a belief in diplomacy over destruction.