Demonstrators hold portraits and flags during a peace march advocating regional stability and unity in Africa.
The escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States may be unfolding thousands of miles away, but Africa is squarely in the blast radius. Security experts warn the continent faces multiple threats, from retaliatory strikes on US military assets in Djibouti to Israeli assets in Eritrea. Religious tensions could spill over in Nigeria, where Shiite groups have mobilized in solidarity with Tehran, while Western security disengagement could leave Sahel nations even more exposed to insurgencies. The economic fallout could also be disastrous, with the war already pushing up oil prices. At the same time, global uncertainty may strengthen the US dollar, weaken African currencies, and drive up debt servicing costs. Although higher gold and oil prices may benefit select exporters, the broader outlook is precarious, underscoring the urgent need for unity, strategic diplomacy, and economic resilience among African leaders.
Semafor