Abuja, 2nd March 2026 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has raised alarm over intensifying military action in the Gulf region, cautioning that the conflict threatens to widen instability in the Middle East and trigger ripple effects across the global economy.
Under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS echoed the African Union Commission’s concerns, stressing that the escalation poses “serious consequences for international peace and security in general and for global energy markets, trade, and food supply chains.”
The regional bloc warned that Africa and other vulnerable regions stand to suffer most from disruptions in oil supplies, shipping routes, and food imports. Such instability could drive up energy costs, strain already fragile economies, and worsen food insecurity across the continent.
In its statement, ECOWAS urged all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international law, particularly the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful dispute resolution. It emphasized that civilian lives and critical infrastructure must be protected.
The organization also called for renewed diplomatic efforts within established international and regional frameworks to reduce tensions and restore stability. ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and fully endorsed the African Union’s position on the crisis.
