African Governments Urge Citizen Safety Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis

Several African governments are taking urgent measures to protect their citizens amid escalating Middle East tensions after the US–Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya have urged nationals to register with embassies, avoid non-essential travel, and take safety precautions. The African Union warned that a prolonged conflict could disrupt energy markets, food security, and economic stability across the continent.

Several African governments have moved quickly to safeguard their citizens as tensions in the Middle East escalate following the joint US–Israeli aerial strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and the subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran. The crisis, which analysts describe as the most serious regional conflict in years, has caused severe disruptions to global aviation, including the closure of major international airports, leaving many travellers stranded.
In South Africa, the government has urged all citizens currently in the Middle East to immediately contact their nearest South African embassies to ensure that their locations are registered. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) acknowledged that airspace closures and security risks have complicated the provision of consular support and that face-to-face assistance may not always be feasible depending on location. DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela emphasized that authorities are maintaining contact with citizens through multiple communication channels and that evacuation plans are in place. Nationals already registered with embassies have been contacted to provide guidance and safety instructions even before the latest strikes occurred.
Uganda has taken a more urgent approach, advising its citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately if possible. Kampala also confirmed the temporary withdrawal of non-essential embassy staff to reduce risks to diplomatic personnel. In a statement, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is monitoring developments with “grave concern” and urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue. The ministry also warned that information about possible evacuations may be limited due to the rapidly changing security situation.
Ghana has officially suspended all non-essential travel to the Middle East due to escalating hostilities and potential disruptions to air and maritime routes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration expressed concern that sudden airport closures and ongoing military activity could leave travellers stranded or exposed to danger. Ghanaian nationals already in the region, particularly in the Gulf States, Israel, and Lebanon, were advised to avoid military installations and crowded public spaces and to register with the nearest embassy or consulate. Diplomatic missions have been placed on high alert, and authorities are updating databases to facilitate possible evacuations. The advisory also highlighted the potential economic impact on African nations, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil shipments.
Kenya has similarly issued a travel and safety advisory, urging its citizens in Iran, Israel, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq to exercise extreme caution. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs advised avoiding non-essential movement, particularly near military facilities, and closely monitoring official communications from host governments. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi stated that Nairobi is maintaining constant contact with diplomatic missions in the region and will provide updates through official channels. Kenyans who have not yet registered with their nearest mission were urged to do so immediately to ensure they can be reached and assisted if necessary.
At a continental level, the African Union (AU) has called for urgent restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. AU Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that a prolonged conflict could have severe repercussions for Africa, including disruption of energy markets, threats to food security, and undermined economic resilience. Many African countries are already facing economic pressures and internal conflicts, making them particularly vulnerable to the ripple effects of the crisis.
As the situation develops, African governments are attempting to balance diplomatic neutrality with proactive measures to protect their citizens abroad. The continent is closely monitoring the conflict, prepared to act if evacuations or additional interventions become necessary. The crisis highlights the interconnection between regional conflicts in the Middle East and global economic and security stability, underscoring the urgent need for de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent wider humanitarian and economic fallout.