The ongoing war between Palestine and Israel has created a sharp ideological division between the African states.
Several African leaders took a stance son the conflict with some supporting Israel, others rallying behind Palestine while some chose to remain neutral in the issue.
So far, twenty-one countries have released statements condemning the attacks with four declaring their support for Israel while eight expressed their support for Palestine.
On the other hand, nine countries maintained a neutral position while most of the countries have not commented on anything regarding the conflict.
Pro – Israel Countries
In a statement dated October 8, Kenya’s President William Ruto condemned attacks on innocent civilians in Israel stating that it is a violation of human rights.
“We call on all parties to respect the rights of civilians and honor their obligation under international law,” he said.
President Ruto asked the international community to act and bring the perpetrators to account.
Additionally, he urged Israel and Palestine to restrain from further military action.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Coordination affirmed the country’s support for Israel in the ongoing conflict.
In a statement on October 8, Ghana condemned the attacks and called on the Hamas leadership to cease the attacks and withdraw its militants from southern Israel.
“While Ghana affirms its support for Israel’s rights to exist and defend itself, it calls on the Israeli government to exercise restraint in its response to Hamas attacks,” read the statement in parts.
Further, Zambia Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo declared his countries support for Israel and stressed on the need for pursuing diplomatic means to resolve international conflicts.
“We strongly condemn the recent attacks on Israel which have regrettably resulted in the loss of lives,” he said on on X.
Also, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi sided with Israel and condemned the Hamas attacks.
Pro-Palestine
Countries that declared their support for Palestine include Sudan, Djibouti, South Africa, Algeria, Namibia, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania.
South Africa supported Palestine stating that the escalation of the conflict arises from continued oppression of the Palestinian people.
“The new conflagration has arisen from continued illegal occupation of Palestine land, continued settlement expansion, desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque and Christian holy sites and ongoing oppression of Palestinians,” read the statement.
Further, South Africa called for immediate cessation of violence, restraint and peace between Israel and Palestine.
Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) called on Israel to cease attacks and refrain from engaging in provocative acts against the Palestinian people.
In addition, Namibia confirmed its support for Palestine and urged the international community to protect civilians and continue to support the Palestinian people by providing a lasting solution in the Middle East conflict.
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“Namibia further reaffirms its strong support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for the inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous State with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions,” said Penda Naanda, Executive Director MIRCO.
Algeria condemned Israel attacks on the Gaza Strip and the persecution it imposes on the Palestinian people.
Moreover, Algeria renewed its conviction that the Israel settlement occupation is the cause of the Arab – Israeli conflict.
Furthermore, Djibouti and Mauritania stood with Palestine accusing Israel of being responsible for the escalation of the conflict.
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied supported Palestine arguing that they have the right to recover and regain all their land, and to establish their independent state.
Countries with Neutral Stand
Other countries have released statements about the conflict without taking sides.
The government of Nigeria called for de-escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Additionally, Nigeria asked the two countries to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of civilians and give room for humanitarian considerations.
Egypt also played neutral and warned the two countries against the danger of escalation while Morocco urged them to focus on dialogue.
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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni condemned the conflicts especially the target on civilians and non-combatants by belligerents.
Museveni wondered why the two nations cannot implement the two States’ Solution.
At the same time, the head of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat called for a ceasefire.
“The Chairperson further calls on the international community, and the major world powers in particular, to assume their responsibilities to impose peace and guarantee the rights of the two peoples,” Faki said in a statement.
Other Nations
US President Joe Biden declared the country’s support for Israel alongside the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine.
On the other hand, Russia, Beijing, and Qatar have openly sided with the Palestinian people in their war against Israel.
