Africa and the crisis in the Middle East: impacts, challenges and strategic responses
Foreign ministers and representatives meeting in Lomé call for a coordinated African response grounded in resilience, peace, sovereignty and strategic cooperation.
Extraordinary Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance
Meeting in Lomé on July 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of H.E.M. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Council, the ministers of foreign affairs and representatives of several African States, Middle Eastern States, the African Union Commission and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa adopted the final declaration of the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference of the African Political Alliance.
The meeting was held under the theme: “Africa and the crisis in the Middle East: impacts, challenges and strategic responses.” It took place in a context of growing geopolitical and military tensions in the Middle East, with direct and indirect consequences for African economies, international maritime security, supply chains, energy stability, food security and regional balance.
GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT
Participants expressed deep concern over the worsening tensions in the Middle East and their humanitarian, security, economic and energy-related effects. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, including respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, international law, international humanitarian law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
ECONOMIC AND SECURITY IMPACTS ON AFRICA
The declaration underlines that the crisis in the Middle East directly affects the vital and strategic interests of the African continent. Its effects include disruptions to supply chains, increased volatility in energy markets, inflationary pressures, instability in foreign exchange markets and growing risks to the economic stability of several African States.
Disruptions originating from the Gulf also weaken Africa’s access to agricultural inputs, affect its production capacities and may worsen food insecurity, socioeconomic tensions and social instability in several countries across the continent.
SECURITY VIGILANCE
The ministers noted that the crisis increases risks to African security environments, particularly through the expansion of transnational threats, risks of regional destabilization and the intensification of strategic competition among external powers. Given the geographical proximity between Africa and the Middle East, a prolonged crisis could pose a danger to the continent’s security and balance.
African strategic responses to external shocks
The Conference stressed that the impacts of the crisis reveal the structural limitations of African economies, their vulnerability and their limited capacity to withstand exogenous shocks. African States are therefore encouraged to strengthen their economic resilience.
This resilience depends in particular on economic diversification, industrialization, the development of intra-African trade and the acceleration of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
1. Energy sovereignty
Develop energy infrastructure, refining capacities, renewable energy and regional interconnections.
2. Food security
Step up efforts in agriculture, agri-food processing and regional strategic reserves.
3. Economic, financial and monetary cooperation
Strengthen African economic, financial and monetary cooperation mechanisms in order to better respond to international crises.
4. Security, anticipation and protection of critical infrastructure
Adapt African mechanisms to hybrid threats, including terrorism, cybersecurity, disinformation and the protection of critical infrastructure.
PEACE, DE-ESCALATION AND REGIONAL STABILITY
Participants called on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any action likely to aggravate tensions or expand the conflict to other regions.
They condemned violence against civilian populations, called for respect for international humanitarian law and reaffirmed that military solutions alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. Dialogue and diplomatic channels must remain at the heart of efforts to settle disputes.
DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES AND MEDIATION
The Conference welcomed diplomatic initiatives, mediation efforts and facilitation actions that have contributed to the de-escalation of tensions and the promotion of the peaceful settlement of disputes in the Middle East.
Participants encouraged the continuation of ongoing negotiations and consultations, as well as the development of a more inclusive dialogue involving all concerned parties, in order to consolidate the gains of de-escalation and foster lasting peace.
Towards a strategic Africa–Middle East dialogue
The declaration highlights the importance of dialogue between Africa and the Middle East as a tool for mutual trust, reciprocal understanding and strategic cooperation.
Participants welcomed the involvement of Middle Eastern States in the work of the Conference, which helped develop a shared understanding of the consequences of the crisis for Africa and promoted a strategic exchange on African perspectives.
STRATEGIC SPACES AND COMMON GOODS
Certain spaces and infrastructures of strategic importance to humanity, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, the Suez Canal and the main international maritime routes, were recognized as common goods whose preservation benefits all nations.
TOGO’S LEADERSHIP
Participants commended the leadership of the Togolese Republic in organizing this Extraordinary Ministerial Conference, as well as its continued commitment to dialogue, peace and international cooperation.
FINAL PROVISIONS
The ministers and representatives reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting an international order based on dialogue, mutual respect, state sovereignty, regional stability, cooperation among nations and shared prosperity.
They decided to continue consultations and remain seized of developments in the Middle East crisis and its economic and security implications for the African continent.
AFRICA–MIDDLE EAST STRATEGIC DIALOGUE FRAMEWORK
The Conference agreed to work towards the establishment of an Africa–Middle East Strategic Dialogue Framework, designed to foster regular dialogue and consultations on issues of common interest, including peace, security, economic development and regional stability.
Diplomatic exchanges on African responses to the crisis in the Middle East.
An African voice for peace, stability and international cooperation
Through this declaration, the African Political Alliance affirms the need for Africa to strengthen its resilience, preserve its strategic interests and actively contribute to international efforts for peace, de-escalation and dialogue.
Done in Lomé, July 3, 2026.