The African Union grants Israel with special observer status

Africa, News August 1, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

It took Israel at least 20 years of diplomatic channeling with the African Union before they could attain their Special Observer status by Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat at the headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia, Burundi, and Chad Aleli Admasu presented his country’s credentials to Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat on July 22nd to be accepted for the special observer by the Union.

After being approved as special observer Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid issued his official statement that stated, “This is a day for celebration for the whole nation of Israel and a great progress for Israel-African relations”. He also noted that Israel has formal and active diplomatic relations with 46 African countries.

Israel had previously held the observer status at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) the predecessor of the African Union (AU). OAU was dismantled in 2002 and replaced by the AU. The Israeli Foreign Minister also stated that this progress shall make it easier for the African Nations and Israel’s efforts to move forward in dealing with issues related to the prevention of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising extremism in Africa.

A separate statement released by the AU Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized AU’s stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict. He stated that AU’s stance is clear on the Palestine-Israel conflict that the Two-State Solution is essential for a peaceful co-existence of the two nations. He also stressed the importance of long-lasting peace and stability in the region that can only be guaranteed through negotiations between the two parties.

Earlier in May, after Israel bombarded and besieged Gaza Strip for 11 days, as well as security forces launched an attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site for Muslims, AU member states issued a joint statement of condemnation of Israel’s activities in the region. It must also be pointed out that Palestine already holds the Special Observer Status at the AU.