Israel gained observer status in the supranational African organization in July.
The Palestinian Authority asked the African Union on Thursday to revoke Israel’s observer status in the organization.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Malki wrote a letter to the AU Executive Council, which is currently meeting in Ethiopia. He said Israel “must be held accountable and exposed, not rewarded and accommodated” and urged them to reverse the decision to grant Israel observer status, the PA’s WAFA news agency reported.
“The withdrawal of Israel’s Observer Status is a necessary validation of the African Union’s commitment towards its broader anti-colonialism and anti-apartheid political strategy,” wrote Malki.
The AU granted Israel observer status in July. An Israeli diplomat told Al-Monitor at the time that Israel hoped to cooperate with African states on health, agriculture, security, fighting COVID-19 and other issues via the union.
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Israel is not in Africa, but borders Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Israel has had diplomatic relations with Egypt since 1980 as a result of the US-brokered Camp David Accords and with Morocco since 2020, thanks to the US-mediated Abraham Accords. Israel and Sudan are also taking steps to normalize ties under the Abraham Accords.
Israel also has a sizeable population of Jewish immigrants from Ethiopia.
It was also reported that, Namibia on Thursday objected to the African Union (AU) granting Israel observer status to its continental bloc, saying contradicts the bloc’s support for Palestinian statehood.
In a statement, Penda Naanda, the executive director of Namibia’s ministry of international relations and cooperation, said granting observer status to an occupying power is contrary to the principles and objectives of the Constitutive Act of the AU.
He added that move took place at a time when Israel is increasing its attacks on Palestinians and continuing to violate international law by disregarding the basic rights of Palestinians.
“It is also contrary to the firm and solid commitment of the Heads of State and Government of the AU to support the Palestinian cause, as evidenced in the various declarations adopted at each Ordinary Session of the Assembly. Namibia believes in the two states as a solution to the issues between the State of Israel and Palestine,” he said.
Naada said Namibia has disassociated itself from the AU’s decision, stressing that the reason for Israel’s loss of its observer status in 2002 remains unchanged.
“Namibia maintains that Israel can only regain observer status at the AU on condition that it ceases to occupy Palestine, and grant its people the right to self-determination,” he added.
Naanda reaffirmed Namibia’s unswerving support and solidarity with Palestine against Israel’s illegal occupation and oppression and supports the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and independence with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“In this regard, Namibia will officially submit its objection and reservation to the Chairperson of the AU Commission, in due course,” he said.
