ECOWAS Warns Gulf Crisis Could Threaten Global Peace, Trade, Food Security

ECOWAS, led by Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, issued a statement expressing deep concern over escalating hostilities in the Gulf region. The bloc warned that intensifying military action risks widening instability across the Middle East, with serious consequences for international peace and security, global energy markets, trade, and food supply chains, particularly affecting vulnerable regions like Africa.

Bio emphasized the need for maximum restraint and full compliance with the UN Charter and international law, including principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. ECOWAS called for renewed diplomatic engagement through established international and regional frameworks to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.

This warning follows the US and Israel's military strikes on Iran, which prompted Iran to retaliate by targeting US assets across Gulf Arab states including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Strikes also hit Saudi Arabia and Iraq's Kurdish region, though all were reportedly repelled. Israel imposed security restrictions including school closures and gathering bans.

The bloc reiterated its support for peaceful conflict resolution, stressing that dialogue and international cooperation remain the most effective paths toward sustainable peace.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/03/01/gulf-tensions-ecowas-warns-of-global-fallout-urges-restraint/