Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) on Wednesday formally welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing the truce as a critical opportunity to ease regional tensions and mitigate the serious economic fallout that has affected African nations since the outbreak of hostilities.
In an official statement, the continental body expressed strong support for the agreement, which was announced following intensive diplomatic efforts. The AU noted that the ceasefire aligns with its longstanding position advocating for restraint, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.
“The ceasefire presents a critical opportunity to ease the suffering of populations affected both directly and indirectly,” AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said. “Sustained dialogue and inclusive diplomacy will be essential to consolidating these gains and preventing a return to conflict.”
The AU highlighted the broader global repercussions of the six-week US-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28 and has disrupted international energy markets. Disruptions to fuel supplies through the Strait of Hormuz triggered sharp increases in global oil prices, driving inflation and raising the cost of basic commodities across many African economies already grappling with debt burdens, climate shocks, and post-pandemic recovery challenges.
Several African countries, particularly oil-importing nations such as Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, and Ethiopia, have reported significant rises in transportation and food prices since the conflict escalated. Energy-dependent industries and households have borne the brunt of these increases, exacerbating poverty levels and threatening food security in vulnerable regions.
The continental bloc commended the mediation efforts that led to the truce, particularly praising the roles played by Pakistan, Oman, Türkiye, and Egypt. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played a pivotal part in announcing the ceasefire and facilitating the delivery of Iran’s 10-point proposal to the United States. The AU expressed full support for ongoing negotiations in Islamabad and urged all parties to maintain momentum during the two-week window.
“This step represents a positive move toward de-escalation and supporting diplomacy to achieve peace and stability in the region,” the AU statement added. The bloc stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving international crises and called on all stakeholders to commit fully to dialogue to prevent further instability.
The conflict, which raised fears of a wider regional war involving multiple actors including Hezbollah in Lebanon, has had ripple effects far beyond the Middle East. African nations with strong trade ties to the Gulf and those hosting large diaspora communities from the region have been particularly exposed. Remittances, investment flows, and shipping routes have all faced disruptions, compounding existing economic pressures.
Chairperson Youssouf emphasised that the ceasefire offers a chance not only to stabilise energy markets but also to address the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis. Millions of civilians in the Middle East have been affected by the hostilities, and the AU warned that prolonged conflict could trigger new waves of migration and refugee movements that would further strain African resources.
The continental body’s response reflects Africa’s growing assertiveness on global geopolitical issues. As a bloc representing 1.4 billion people and a significant voting bloc in international forums, the AU has increasingly positioned itself as a voice for peaceful conflict resolution and equitable global economic systems. Its call for inclusive diplomacy underscores the demand that African perspectives be considered in negotiations that ultimately affect the continent’s development trajectory.
Analysts say the AU’s statement is strategically timed to reinforce its relevance in global affairs. “Africa has paid a heavy price for conflicts it did not start,” said Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a senior fellow at the Institute for Security Studies in Addis Ababa. “By welcoming the ceasefire while highlighting its economic consequences, the AU is reminding world powers that global stability cannot be separated from African development needs.”
The two-week ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, comes after weeks of military escalation and intense backchannel negotiations. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported the pause with Iran but excluded Lebanon from the agreement, questions remain about the truce’s scope and durability. Opposition voices in Israel, including Yair Lapid, have criticised the move as strategically damaging.
For African leaders, the priority remains protecting fragile economies. Several AU member states have already begun exploring alternative energy sources and emergency import arrangements to cushion the impact of potential future disruptions. The continental body has pledged to coordinate support mechanisms for affected economies during this delicate period.
The AU reiterated its commitment to multilateralism and called for the full implementation of any comprehensive agreement that may emerge from the current talks. It particularly welcomed the reported elements of Iran’s 10-point proposal, including commitments to non-aggression, sanctions relief, and regional de-escalation, viewing them as potential foundations for broader stability.
As the ceasefire takes effect, African diplomats are expected to engage more actively with mediation efforts. Countries such as Egypt, which shares historical ties with both the US and the Middle East, and South Africa, a strong voice in BRICS, are well-positioned to contribute African perspectives to the negotiations.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the temporary truce evolves into a lasting diplomatic solution. For Africa, the stakes are clear: reduced tensions in the Middle East translate directly into more predictable energy prices, increased investor confidence, and greater fiscal space for development priorities.
The African Union’s prompt and constructive response sends a clear message — while the continent is not a direct party to the conflict, its voice must be heard in shaping outcomes that affect global peace and economic justice. As Chairperson Youssouf noted, sustained dialogue remains the surest path to preventing future crises that inevitably spill over into African lives and livelihoods.
With the two-week window now open, the AU has positioned itself as a supporter of peace while keeping a close watch on how the agreement will ultimately impact the continent’s economic fortunes and long-term stability. The hope across Africa is that this ceasefire marks the beginning of a more peaceful and prosperous chapter for the region and the world.
