Japan-trained and US-matriculated economist Musa Basad Jawara has predicted that the humanitarian and economic impact of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel on the Middle East and beyond could deepen poverty and malnutrition issues in The Gambia as the soaring oil prices and subsequent economic instability would likely lead to increased food prices, medical supply shortages and other basic needs.
“Humanitarian organisations would need to scale up aid efforts to provide food assistance, medical care, and other support to affected populations,” Jawara, who also worked at the US State Department for several years, stated in a write-up shared with JollofNews.
According to the former US State Department official, the rising oil prices that could be generated by the Israel-Iran conflict would trigger food insecurity, social upheavals and other humanitarian challenges in developing countries such as The Gambia.
“The ripple effects of such a conflict would be far-reaching. Rising oil prices would increase transportation costs, goods prices, and strain already limited resources in developing economies. This could lead to food insecurity, social unrest, and other humanitarian issues,” Jawara pointed out.
Jawara, who served at the Gambia’s ministry of trade and economic affairs as a senior adviser on economic affairs, further pointed out that the broader economic implications of the conflict would be significant.
“Rising oil prices would lead to increased costs for goods and services, potentially triggering inflation and slowing economic growth. Countries like The Gambia would struggle to absorb these shocks, given their limited economic resources and fragile development progress. The global economy would also feel the effects, with potential instability in financial markets and trade disruptions,” he explained.
Jawara described the situation as complex, emphasizing that “the global response will need to be coordinated and swift to minimize the damage”.
“Developing countries will require support to navigate the economic fallout, and the international community will need to work together to stabilize the global economy and prevent further escalation.The international community must come together to address the potential humanitarian and economic crises arising from the conflict,” stated the former US State Department official.
“And, let me emphasize in conclusion, the international community must act swiftly and decisively to prevent a humanitarian and economic catastrophe in the wake of this escalating conflict. The potential for this conflict to draw in multiple global players, including Russia and the US, is concerning.”
