US and Israeli attacks on Iran are raising concerns across Africa, from security risks in the Horn of Africa to economic pressures and fears for migrant workers in the Gulf. They also come as West African countries step up cooperation against spreading jihadist violence. In this week’s Spotlight on Africa podcast, we speak to Nigeria’s presidential adviser Sunday Dare and Africa analyst Heni Nsaibia about the risks.
As the conflict spreads across West Asia, the Gulf and the Red Sea, worries are growing about how it could affect the African continent.
American military bases in Djibouti and Somalia lie within range of Iranian-aligned groups, while US deployments in Nigeria and Kenya further extend potential exposure.
Israel also maintains military assets in Eritrea, vulnerable to missile attacks launched across the Red Sea. Such attacks could also threaten Egypt if missiles pass through its airspace.
Some African countries fear security risks from the United States, Israel, Iran or Houthi forces in Yemen. Others are already suffering from rising oil prices, related food insecurity and concerns for migrant workers.
More than 700,000 African workers remain in Gulf states as missile strikes continue in the region.
Fearful African migrants warily work on through Gulf missile strikes
Ladd Serwat, an analyst on Africa at the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED – a conflict data organisation), writes regular analyses on Iran’s regional reach and the security implications of the war for Africa.
He said direct military action by Israel or the United States against Iranian allies in Africa remains unlikely, but cannot be ruled out.
A tuk-tuk driver refuels his vehicle in Mogadishu on 12 March, 2026, as petrol prices have doubled (from around $0.60 to $1.25) since the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February. AFP – HASSAN ALI ELMI
Nigeria and jihadist insecurity
Meanwhile, West Africa is facing a rise in jihadist attacks in the Sahel.
Violence has increasingly spread south to coastal countries such as Benin, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, prompting governments to seek stronger cross-border cooperation.
Authorities in Benin and Nigeria announced this week plans for a joint security operation along their shared border.
The move aims to combat militant groups operating in the area.
In the podcast, Sunday Dare, senior adviser to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, discusses security challenges facing the country, including the Islamist insurgency and the need for regional and international cooperation.
Episode mixed by Erwan Rome.
Spotlight on Africa is produced by Radio France Internationale’s English language service.
