The Pan African Business Forum has condemned Iran’s missile and drone attack on the United Arab Emirates, warning that the strike risks worsening tensions in an already volatile Middle East.
The attack, which took place on Monday, saw the UAE intercept 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iran, according to Emirati authorities. Abu Dhabi said it reserved the right to respond to what it described as a “treacherous” assault on its territory.
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In a statement released on Thursday, Ladislas Prosper Agbesi, chairman of the Pan African Business Forum, said the strike was a violation of international law and posed a threat to regional and global stability.
“Such aggression is unacceptable and must be firmly rejected by the international community,” Agbesi said.
The business group said it stood in solidarity with the UAE and backed the country’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We stand in full solidarity with the leadership and people of the United Arab Emirates and affirm its sovereign right to take all necessary and lawful measures to preserve its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” the statement read.
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The forum also cautioned against targeting or undermining the UAE over its strategic choices, saying sovereign nations must be free to pursue policies they consider to be in their national interest.
PABF called on African governments and regional institutions to take a united position against the attack and support efforts aimed at preserving peace and international order.
The group also urged Tehran to return to negotiations and avoid further escalation, amid growing concern that tensions between Iran and the UAE could spill into a wider regional confrontation.
