Mudavadi Warns Of Global Fallout As Middle East Conflict Escalates

By Staff Writer

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged restraint and dialogue following a sharp escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, warning of serious global security and economic consequences.

Mudavadi spoke at the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi during the 130th commemoration of the Victory of Adwa, where he linked Africa’s historic unity to the need for peaceful conflict resolution.

His remarks followed coordinated military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian targets, marking one of the most significant direct confrontations between the longtime adversaries in recent years.

Iran responded with missile attacks targeting Israel and reported strikes near United States military installations in parts of the Gulf, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.

Several Gulf states temporarily closed or restricted their airspace, disrupting international aviation corridors and prompting concerns about energy supplies and global trade routes.

“As we celebrate the Victory of Adwa, it coincides with renewed conflict in the Middle East,” Mudavadi said, noting the timing underscored fragile global stability.

He warned that prolonged instability could trigger inflationary pressures, volatility in fuel prices and heightened insecurity in multiple regions linked through trade and energy markets.

“We call upon the international community to pull together to ensure that what has been sparked off reaches a quick and peaceful resolution,” he said.

The latest escalation builds on years of tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, regional proxy conflicts and hostilities involving armed groups operating in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

Diplomatic efforts to contain earlier flare-ups have struggled to secure lasting agreements, with repeated exchanges of fire deepening mistrust and hardening positions among rival blocs.

“Global conflicts have significant implications for our economies, our livelihoods and the well being of our people,” Mudavadi said, urging coordinated international action.

He said Africa must accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to cushion member states from external shocks and strengthen intra-African supply chains.

“What inspired Adwa should inspire the African continent to build resilience by enhancing intra African trade and strengthening partnerships,” he added.

The Victory of Adwa in 1896 saw Ethiopian forces defeat invading Italian troops, preserving sovereignty during the Scramble for Africa and cementing its place in world history.

Mudavadi said the lesson of Adwa was unity and foresight, urging nations to act collectively to prevent further escalation and safeguard global stability.