In recent years, African nations have taken a firm stance on the issue of Palestine’s statehood. All African countries, except Cameroon and Eritrea, have recognized the State of Palestine and have called for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Cameroon’s exception is partly due to its President being Israel’s strongest ally in Africa and relying on Israeli elite forces for his security. The reasons for Eritrea’s stance are less clear. This shift in position of most African nations reflects a growing consensus that the Palestinian people deserve their own sovereign state and that a two-state solution is the best path toward peace in the region.
African nations have also been vocal in their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and their condemnation of Israel for its settlement expansion in the West Bank. Many African leaders have emphasized the need for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on international law and United Nations resolutions.
As African nations continue to play a significant role in shaping the global discourse on Palestine’s statehood, the issue remains a key priority for the continent. By standing up for a two-state solution, African nations have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of justice, human rights, and international law.
The stance that African nations take on Palestinian statehood shapes their relationships with the Middle East. It will also have broader implications for international diplomacy and human rights. On 29 November 2012, in a 138–9 vote (with 41 abstaining) the majority of African states voted for UN General Assembly resolution 67/19, which passed, upgrading Palestine to “non-member observer state” status in the United Nations. The vote was an important benchmark for the partially recognized State of Palestine and its citizens, while it was a diplomatic setback for Israel and the United States.
Still, that vocal diplomatic support for Palestine masks a more complex relationship between African nations and Israel – one that has rapidly grown in recent years, reshaping the continent’s approach to the Middle East.
In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, many African nations have proposed diplomatic solutions to help end the violence and promote peace in the region. Through diplomatic channels and international forums, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria have put forward mediation efforts and peace-building initiatives to bring an end to the hostilities and establish a lasting ceasefire. Yet, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among other African nations that have aligned with Israel’s position.
By taking a proactive approach to address the Gaza war, African nations hope that peace can be achieved, ultimately leading to a more stable and prosperous future for all involved.
