As conflict intensifies across the Middle East following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, several African governments have taken swift action to protect their citizens through emergency travel advisories, partial diplomatic withdrawals, and coordinated crisis response measures.
According to official statements issued as of March 2, 2026, multiple African states are shifting from precautionary warnings to active crisis management.
Emergency Advisories and Partial Withdrawals
Several governments have introduced immediate measures affecting both diplomatic personnel and civilians in high-risk areas.
Uganda
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala has urged Ugandan nationals in Iran to leave immediately where possible. Non-essential embassy staff have been withdrawn from Tehran, and consular services are now described as “severely limited.”
Ghana
Accra has activated an emergency preparedness plan in anticipation of potential large-scale evacuations. Families of diplomatic staff have begun departing Tehran, and the government has suspended all non-essential travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which have been designated high-risk destinations.
Kenya
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called on Kenyan citizens in nine countries — including Iran, Israel, and several Gulf states — to register immediately with the nearest diplomatic mission. Citizens have also been advised to avoid military sites and remain indoors where possible.
South Africa
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has intensified digital tracking efforts to account for South Africans in affected areas. President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the escalation, noting that Article 51 of the UN Charter permits self-defense only in response to armed attack, comments widely interpreted as criticism of the initial strike.
Aviation Disruptions and Stranded Travelers
Airspace closures over Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have caused widespread travel disruption, leaving thousands of African nationals stranded in key transit hubs.
Airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have suspended several routes, significantly limiting departures from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
In South Africa, Airports Company South Africa confirmed that 14 major flights between Dubai and South Africa were canceled in a single day, creating a backlog of students, workers, and business travelers awaiting alternative arrangements.
Authorities in the UAE have reportedly begun offering limited assistance, including temporary meals and accommodation for stranded transit passengers, though many remain unable to depart.
African Union Warns of Economic Risks
At the continental level, the African Union warned of broader economic consequences if the conflict continues.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said prolonged hostilities could trigger a “dangerous spike” in global energy and food prices, disproportionately affecting African economies already facing inflation and supply chain pressures.
The AU also endorsed mediation efforts led by Oman, describing diplomacy as the only viable path to prevent further regional instability and wider global repercussions.
Key Guidance for Citizens
Governments are urging nationals to take immediate precautionary steps:
South Africa: Register with DIRCO via embassies or official digital platforms.
Kenya: Register with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs or the nearest embassy.
Uganda: Leave Iran immediately if feasible and monitor Foreign Ministry updates.
Ghana: Avoid non-essential travel to designated high-risk Middle Eastern countries and follow official guidance.
A Continent on Alert
Although no African government has yet announced full-scale evacuations, the shift from advisories to operational withdrawals and emergency registration systems reflects growing concern over the crisis.
With aviation routes disrupted and diplomatic channels under strain, African states are balancing immediate consular protection with broader geopolitical and economic risks.
The coming days are likely to determine whether current measures remain precautionary or evolve into large-scale evacuation operations.
