African Union member states reject inclusion of Israel as observer

Ramallah, Aug 1 (Prensa Latina) Several African countries led by Algeria began contacts to reject Israel's entry as an observer member of the regional bloc, the WAFA news agency reported.

August 1, 2021
08:55

The media outlet explained that South Africa, Tunisia, Eritrea, Senegal, Comoros, Tanzania, Niger, Gabon, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Liberia and Seychelles agree with this position.

Israel was an observer member of the Organization of African Unity, but that status was withdrawn in 2002 when the institution was replaced by the African Union (AU).

The authorities of South Africa declared last week they are ‘dismayed by the unfair decision’ of the AU commission to allow Israel to join in due to the crimes committed against the Palestinians.

Namibia also considered the initiative dangerous because ‘granting observer status to an occupying power is contrary to the principles and objectives of the Constitutive Act’ of the body.

Israel maintains diplomatic relations with 46 of the 55 member states of the bloc.

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