Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed the
desire for Israel to become a member of the African Union, in
a renewed bid to increase cooperation with the continent,
according to Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation.
On a trip to several African nations, Netanyahu has repeatedly
emphasised the importance of increased ties between Israel
and African governments. During a speech in the Kenyan
capital, Nairobi, with 11 other heads of state present,
Netanyahu pledged to deepen trade, security and agricultural
relations with neighboring countries.
“This is my third visit to Africa and second to Kenya, we
believe in the future of Africa, we love Africa and I would like
very much not only to cooperate on an individual basis with
each of your countries but also with the African Union.”
“I hope that we all find a way to have Israel become an
observer status in the African Union because we can help, we
cannot only observe but we can help build together a better
future for Africa,” he added.
Netanyahu spoke of Israel’s desire to see Africa progress and
achieve its development goals, promising his government’s
assistance in providing the necessary technology. He also
referenced the need for cooperation in tackling terrorism.
“If we work together we will defeat the barbarians. Our people
deserve better lives and we can provide that for them,” said
the Israeli PM.
This is the prime minister’s third trip to Africa in 18 months,
as Israel continues its efforts to garner support outside of its
traditional Western allies and trade partners. Netanyahu also
seeks to use the support of the continent to debunk the anti-
Israel traditional majority in international organisations such as
the United Nations.
Netanyahu has previously announced on more than one
occasion since last year, and even during his visit to Africa,
that he is trying to establish a closer relationship with the
continent to cut with the instinctive sympathy for Palestine in
international institutions in which Palestinians are supported.
But the campaign has been met with some resistance and
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the
African leaders to consider any development in the Africa’s
relations with Israel only in as much as it shows commitment
to end its occupation of Palestine.
In September, Togo cancelled the Israel-Africa summit due to
take place in the country in October, allegedly due to internal
conflict in the country. However the decision to postpone the
conference indefinitely, which would have seen delegations
from 54 African countries gather to meet the Israeli
delegation, was considered a huge blow to Israel.
Israel has diplomatic relations with 40 out of 48 countries in
southern Africa.
Abbas had asked the President of Togo during the African
summit in Addis Ababa to reconsider the decision to hold a
summit with Israel. This was the first time that the Palestinian
president asks to meet the President of Togo who ascended
to power in 2005.
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