As the Israel-Gaza conflict escalates, it is becoming increasingly evident that Africa is divided in its stance on supporting Palestine. Historically, Africa has shown strong sympathy for the Palestinian cause, stemming from its own struggles against colonialism and racism. However, the continent’s position is now fractured, with some nations rallying behind Israel. This shift highlights a complex interplay of interests, with some African countries torn between their historical and emotional ties with Palestine and the promise of technological advancement, military aid, and economic support from Israel.
A ‘Historical and Emotional’ Relationship
African nations’ historical solidarity with Palestine dates back to the struggle for independence from colonial powers. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor to the African Union, severed ties with Israel after the October War of 1973. Algeria, in particular, has been a staunch critic of Israel, driven by historic and emotional bonds, as well as a shared Islamic heritage. According to Zine Labidine Ghebouli of the European Council on Foreign Relations, the connection between Algeria and Palestine runs deep, drawing parallels between their respective histories of occupation and brutality. Despite their vocal support for Palestine, South Africa has also shown a more nuanced relationship with Israel, which is further evolving.
Israel’s Growing Footprint
Israel’s presence in Africa has been on the rise. From just a few African nations maintaining relations with Israel after the 1973 war, today, 44 out of 54 African countries recognize Israel’s statehood. Israel’s strength in agriculture technology has been a compelling incentive for many African countries grappling with food insecurity due to droughts and extreme weather conditions. Israel’s role as a global leader in agricultural technologies has become an attractive proposition for African nations striving to improve their food security.
Beyond agriculture, trade and security interests have further strengthened ties between African countries and Israel. Notably, the Camp David Accords of 1978 marked a turning point, inspiring African nations to reevaluate their relations with Israel. The Oslo Accords in 1993, along with recent normalization agreements with Chad, Morocco, and Sudan, signify significant wins for Israel on the continent. South Africa, a vocal critic of Israel, paradoxically remains Israel’s largest trading partner in Africa.
Two-Faced Governments?
The seeming contradiction between African governments’ relations with Israel and their vocal support for Palestine is not unique. As Tighisti Amare of Chatham House pointed out, Africa has demonstrated divergent responses to international crises, much like the split in positions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Furthermore, while many African countries have enhanced relations with Israel, they have, at times, opposed Israeli policies in international forums. These inconsistencies highlight the complexity of Africa’s foreign policy decisions and demonstrate that expectations of uniformity in their responses to global issues may be misguided.
Political considerations might soon influence trade relations. South Africa, a key trading partner with Israel, faces mounting pressure from civil society to adopt a clearer stance in support of Palestine. Calls for the boycott of relations and trade with Israel are on the rise, both at the public and private sector levels. As Israel’s conflict with Gaza continues, the demand for more decisive action from African governments may intensify.
Africa’s divided stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict reflects a complex interplay of historical, emotional, economic, and political factors. As African nations weigh their historical ties to Palestine against the economic benefits and technological advancements offered by Israel, their positions on the conflict remain fluid. Africa’s nuanced response to the Israel-Gaza conflict underscores the continent’s diverse interests and challenges any expectation of a uniform approach to international crises. As the conflict persists, the continent’s stance on this issue may continue to evolve, influencing Africa’s future role in the Middle East.
