The African Union and numerous African nations have welcomed the agreement signed between the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, which ends the war. The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a permanent ceasefire on all fronts.
African Union's Satisfaction
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yusuf described the agreement as "a significant step towards ending hostilities and reducing tensions." Yusuf stated that the agreement "demonstrates the power of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and building trust among nations," and appreciated the mediation efforts of Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar.
Reactions from Kenya and South Africa
Kenya's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi assessed the agreement as "a major diplomatic success." Mudavadi expressed that the agreement would alleviate the burden on economies damaged by the war and carries hope for lasting stability. The Kenyan government announced it warmly welcomes the peace agreement, which envisions the end of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola also announced his welcome of the agreement. Lamola said they hope the agreement "will end the illegal use of force in war and violations of the United Nations Charter." The Pretoria administration emphasized that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is critical to calming fluctuations in global oil markets and alleviating energy and food security challenges for developing countries.
Economic Emphasis from Sudan
Sudan's Minister of Energy and Petroleum Mutasim Ibrahim stated that the opening of the strait "will eliminate one of the most significant external factors causing increases and fluctuations in fuel prices" and will contribute to the appreciation of the Sudanese pound.
Economic Expectations and Caution
According to The East African newspaper, governments and companies in East Africa particularly welcomed the agreement with the hope of reopened sea routes and reduced pressure on fuel prices. Standard Chartered Bank's Chief Economist for Africa and the Middle East, Razia Khan, stated that the agreement would be viewed positively in terms of assets for Kenya's economy, which is vulnerable to fuel prices, foreign exchange transfers, and tea and flower exports.
Energy expert Patrick Obath predicted that, provided the ceasefire holds, a return to normalcy would be a "slow return" that could be completed within about three months.
These positive reactions come after a period where African economies have borne burdens for months due to the strait's closure, including high fuel prices, shipping costs, and disruptions to agricultural exports. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) had provided approximately $10 billion in financing to African and Caribbean countries to cope with these effects.
Despite the optimistic mood, caution prevails. Core issues such as the future of Iran's nuclear program and Tehran's demands for sanctions relief and the release of its assets remain unresolved. Furthermore, Israel's refusal to comply with the agreement means it is a significant gain that could be tested if the ceasefire does not evolve into a permanent solution.
