SA ‘appalled’ at AU decision to grant Israel observer status
THE government said it was “appalled” at the AU Commission’s decision to grant Israel official observer status.
The commission took the decision unilaterally, without consulting AU members, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said in a statement yesterday.
“The decision to grant Israel observer status is even more shocking in a year in which the oppressed people of Palestine were hounded by destructive bombardments and continued illegal settlements of the land,” Monyela said.
Last week, Israeli ambassador to Ethiopia, Burundi and Chad, Aleli Admasu, presented his credentials to AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat at the continental bloc’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Monyela said the AU Commission’s decision was inexplicable.
“The unjust actions committed by Israel offend the letter and spirit of the charter of the AU. The AU embodies the aspirations of all Africans and reflects their confidence that it can lead the continent through the practical expression of the goals of the charter, especially on issues relating to self-determination and decolonisation,” he said.
He accused Israel of continuing to illegally occupy Palestine in complete defiance of its international obligations and relevant UN resolutions.
“It is therefore incomprehensible that the AU Commission chooses to reward Israel at a time when its oppression of Palestinians has been demonstrably more brutal,” he said, adding that South Africa would request a briefing of all member states by Faki on the issue.
Israel had observer status at the OAU, but its efforts to regain the standing have consistently failed in the AU, which replaced the previous continental body. Algeria has reportedly also voiced its condemnation of the AU decision to grant Israel observer status.
The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) said it was encouraged that AU members would work more closely with Israel on fighting the coronavirus, improving regional security and implementing water, agricultural and health care technology solutions for the benefit of their people. “We are also hopeful that the AU observer status may assist further African countries to establish closer diplomatic ties with Israel.
“It is unfortunate that the South African government has taken a position against these positive developments and the critical work between Israel and many African states. The SAZF believes that the greater intercontinental cooperation with Israel is a sign that the SA government should follow suit in building and improving South Africa’s relations with Israel as opposed to missing out on the opportunities it brings. We call on the South African government to accept the decision of our fellow African nations and work towards a better future for ordinary South Africans and the continent as a whole,” SAZF national chairperson Rowan Polovin said.
Human rights organisation #Africa4Palestine welcomed the government’s stance.
“#Africa4Palestine agrees with the SA government that the decision is ‘unjust and unwarranted’ and, furthermore, is dubious given that it was taken ‘unilaterally without consultations’ of members. We are working with our partners in the SA government and civil society as well as allies in other African countries to ensure that this unilateral, irregular and improper decision is immediately halted and reversed.
“In the past South Africa played a significant role in reversing the decision of the Africa-Israel summit which was meant to take place in Togo in 2017.”