Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has warned of serious global and African economic disruptions following the latest military escalation in the Middle East, including the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and confirmed American military casualties.
In a video statement, Sonko said the conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran could expand beyond the region and trigger a worldwide economic shock.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 30–40% of global oil supplies transit, cautioning that any disruption could drive up energy prices, strain supply chains and raise living costs globally.
Sonko stressed that countries such as Senegal, which rely heavily on hydrocarbon imports and international trade, would be particularly vulnerable.
He pointed to potential impacts on investment flows, financial markets and food security, while condemning what he described as violations of international law and calling for immediate de-escalation.
The statement follows Iranian state media reports announcing the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, allegedly after the February 28 strikes. Authorities in Tehran declared 40 days of national mourning and vowed retaliation.
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously injured during Operation “Epic Fury,” with operations ongoing.
According to various sources, the strikes caused dozens of casualties, with some unofficial estimates exceeding 200 victims.
In response, Iran reportedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military positions in several Arab states, heightening fears of a broader regional confrontation.
Iranian authorities have announced an interim leadership structure including President Massoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and cleric Alireza Arafi, pending the designation of a new supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts.
International actors, including ECOWAS, the African Union, and the European Union, have urged restraint and a return to diplomatic channels. For Sonko, continued hostilities risk destabilizing the global order and inflicting significant economic and social consequences, particularly across Africa.
