African nations, with their unique histories, alliances and economic interests, find themselves divided over the Israel-Palestine issue

The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Palestine, which began on October 7, 2023, marks a significant military engagement in the region, being the largest confrontation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. This conflict has global ramifications, with the African continent likely to feel its effects profoundly. Africa, with its 55 countries and diverse political landscape, is particularly vulnerable to such geopolitical divides.

Africa’s Divided Stance on Israel-Palestine: African countries vary widely in their stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, often shaped by historical, ideological, and economic factors. Pro-Palestinian countries like Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Libya support Palestine, often viewing the Palestinian struggle through the lens of their anti-colonial histories. In contrast, several nations, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Morocco, and Chad, have established close relations with Israel, motivated by economic, technological, and security interests. Additionally, neutral countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan maintain diplomatic ties with both Israel and Palestine, typically refraining from favoring one side over the other.

At the continental level, the African Union (AU) has traditionally supported Palestine’s statehood and criticised Israeli policies.

A Deeper Look at Africa’s Reactions: African responses to the Gaza conflict highlight the continent’s fractured stance on foreign policy issues. In South Africa, for instance, public protests have likened the Palestinian struggle to the country’s anti-apartheid movement. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has voiced strong support for Palestine, and his government filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Algeria’s Foreign Minister similarly condemned Israeli actions, citing international law, while Comoros President Azali Assoumani labeled Israeli actions as genocidal.

On the other hand, several sub-Saharan nations, including South Sudan, Cameroon, Togo, and Cape Verde, chose not to support the recent United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Even Muslim-majority countries like Morocco, Chad, and Sudan have limited their response to public condemnations without altering diplomatic ties. Malawi and Kenya recently agreed to send laborers to Israel following a halt in work permits for Palestinians, further signaling the complexities in Africa’s stance. Africa and Israel share a complex, long-standing relationship that dates back to before Israel’s founding. Theodor Herzl, the founder of the Zionist movement, expressed support for African liberation, envisioning solidarity between Jews and Africans in their quests for self-determination. This vision gained traction in the 1960s, with Israel maintaining a strong presence in Africa, including 33 embassies across the continent. Israel’s model of decolonisation and development attracted the admiration of African leaders who saw parallels in their own struggles for independence.

However, following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, pressure from Arab countries led many African states to sever ties with Israel. This led to a period of estrangement, with African leaders feeling frustrated by unmet promises from Arab allies, particularly in the realm of energy cooperation. Gradually, ties began to thaw, and by the early 21st century, Israel was once again seeking partnerships in Africa, with diplomatic and economic collaborations resuming.

In recent years, Israel’s outreach has intensified. In 2016, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited East Africa, and a year later, he addressed the Economic Community of West African States. In 2022, Israel and several African nations agreed to expand cooperation in renewable energy, trade, and technology. Kenya’s President William Ruto visited Israel in 2023, further strengthening ties in agriculture, climate change, security, and other sectors.

These relationships are essential for African nations, many of which aim to modernise infrastructure and boost economic growth through partnerships with technologically advanced countries like Israel.

Given the historical context and current diplomatic landscape, it appears unlikely that the Gaza conflict will irreparably divide Africa. While opinions on the Israel-Palestine issue are undoubtedly polarized, African nations often prioritise pragmatic interests over ideological alignment. The Gaza conflict may not permanently alter Africa’s alliances, but it does highlight the need for more cohesive foreign policy coordination on the continent.

Africa’s relationships with Israel have historically ebbed and flowed, often dictated by external pressures and internal priorities rather than a single, unified stance.

(The writer is faculty, department of African Studies faculty of social sciences University of Delhi; views are personal)