African Union Backs China-Pakistan Five-Point Plan to Ease Middle East Tensions

The African Union has welcomed a China-Pakistan five-point plan to ease tensions in the Gulf and Middle East, calling for a ceasefire, civilian protection, maritime security, and adherence to the UN Charter. AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized diplomacy and dialogue as the only path to a lasting resolution, noting the conflict’s global economic and humanitarian impact, especially on African nations.

The African Union (AU) on Friday welcomed a peace initiative jointly proposed by China and Pakistan, aimed at reducing rising tensions in the Gulf and broader Middle East region, as the ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran continue into their second month. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the five-point plan as a “timely and constructive contribution” to ongoing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict, emphasizing that the proposal could serve as an important framework for steering the crisis toward a negotiated resolution.
The plan, according to the AU, calls for several urgent and specific measures, including an immediate ceasefire to halt hostilities, the protection of civilians in conflict zones, enhanced security for maritime routes critical to international trade, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. Youssouf urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, comply with international law, and engage constructively in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The AU also highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing war, noting that its impact has already begun to reverberate globally. According to Youssouf, the conflict is disrupting international energy supply chains, threatening food security, and creating instability in global markets, with African nations being particularly vulnerable to these cascading effects due to their dependence on imported resources and their exposure to regional economic shocks.
Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to peace and diplomacy, the AU emphasized that a durable and sustainable solution to the conflict can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiation, and constructive engagement among all parties. The bloc urged the conflicting parties to de-escalate tensions urgently and to pursue sustained negotiations that address both immediate security concerns and long-term stability in the region.
China and Pakistan formally presented the Five-Point peace plan earlier this week. The proposals include: the immediate cessation of hostilities; prompt initiation of peace talks between all stakeholders; protection of non-military targets, including civilian infrastructure; safeguarding of shipping lanes essential to global trade; and ensuring that all actions conform to the principles of the UN Charter. These measures aim to create conditions conducive to dialogue, reduce the humanitarian toll of the conflict, and establish a pathway toward a lasting resolution.
In its statement, the African Union expressed its readiness to collaborate with international organizations, regional partners, and relevant stakeholders to support efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting stability. The AU stressed that coordinated diplomatic action is critical to preventing further humanitarian crises, economic disruptions, and the escalation of violence in an already fragile region. By endorsing the initiative, the AU signaled its active role in facilitating dialogue and contributing to international peacekeeping and conflict-resolution efforts in the Gulf and Middle East.