The chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) published a statement Monday condemning attacks in the Persian Gulf that he said violate international law and threaten regional stability.

Chairperson HE Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed “deep concern” over attacks on energy and transportation infrastructure, including an incident that occurred Saturday, when Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian oil facilities. He condemned these acts as violations of international law that infringe on state sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating for the principle of non-intervention.

Youssouf also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and providing safe passage for foreign nationals after thousands of travelers have been stranded following international flight cancellations. He spoke of the threat to the “safety and wellbeing of African nationals and diaspora communities in the region,” which includes those in Iran and across Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The chairperson also drew attention to the significant impacts the situation may have on African states, writing:

The AUC Chairperson underscores that stability in the Gulf region is of particular importance for global energy security and the international economy, with direct implications for African economies. Rising oil prices and disruptions in trade routes are already affecting markets, including the export of perishables from Africa, while disruptions to airspace are impacting African airlines and travel connectivity.

Many African countries have called for de-escalation and respect for international law during the escalating conflict in the Gulf. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke early and critically about the US and Israeli strikes, stating, “Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation.”

The AUC has also condemned missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, calling them a “clear violation of sovereignty” that risk “further destabilizing the Middle East.” The UN human rights chief Volker Türk and Human Rights Watch have both issued statements on the Israeli and US strikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks, and also urged Iranian authorities to lift restrictions on internet and communication services.