Kenya, Tanzania Urge Restraint as Middle East Tensions Escalate

NAIROBI/DAR ES SALAAM – Kenya and Tanzania have called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East following a wave of strikes across Gulf states, warning that the widening conflict risks undermining international peace and security.

Kenya strongly condemned the attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, saying the regional spread of hostilities poses a serious global threat.

“At this defining and perilous moment in global history, longstanding multilateral institutions remain indispensable frameworks for resolving the current crisis,” Kenya said, urging urgent multi-stakeholder engagement to calm tensions.

The statement reflects growing concern in East Africa over the fallout from rising hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and their potential impact on global stability, trade routes and energy markets.

In a separate statement, Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said it was closely monitoring developments and remains in contact with its diplomatic missions in the affected region.

“Tanzanian nationals residing in or traveling within the affected areas are strongly advised to remain vigilant, prioritize their safety and adhere to guidance issued by local authorities and Tanzanian missions,” the ministry said.

Tanzania reaffirmed its solidarity with the international community in calling for restraint and the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The responses from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam underscore mounting concern across Africa as tensions in the Middle East threaten to broaden into a wider regional confrontation.