AU backs Gaza ceasefire, urges full implementation of pact
A long-time advocate for the Palestinian cause, the AU hosts the Palestinian president annually during its leaders' summit, scheduled for February, where he is also expected to attend this year.
The African Union (AU) has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire deal and called for its immediate and full implementation.
"I welcome the announcement of a deal for a ceasefire in #Gaza and the release of hostages. I wish to commend the crucial role played by #Qatar, #Egypt & the #USA," posted AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki on X.
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A long-time advocate for the Palestinian cause, the AU hosts the Palestinian president annually during its leaders' summit, scheduled for February, where he is also expected to attend this year.
"The African Union calls for the immediate and full implementation of this agreement. May justice and peace prevail for the people of Palestine," Faki added.
However, Faki's stance has drawn controversy before. In 2021, he unilaterally granted Israel observer status at the AU, sparking protests led by South Africa and Algeria.
The AU later suspended Israel's observer status during its 2023 summit and has since stopped inviting Israeli representatives to its meetings.
Israel had sought observer status for two decades after previously holding the position in the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
Its efforts to regain it were repeatedly blocked following the OAU's replacement by the AU in 2002. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has divided African nations.
Some countries have remained silent, while others have taken clear sides in the dispute. Kenya, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are among those showing support for Israel despite growing global criticism of its actions in Gaza.
"Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country," President William Ruto posted on X on October 7, following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel.
He added, "There exists no justification whatsoever for terrorism, which constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security."
Similarly, Ghana's Foreign Ministry stated on October 8: "The country affirms its support for Israel's right to exist and defend itself," while also urging restraint in Israel's military response to the Hamas attacks. In contrast, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed strong support for Palestine.
"All of us standing here pledge our solidarity for the people of Palestine. We stand here because we are deeply concerned about the atrocities that are unfolding in the Middle East," he said during an address at an ANC party meeting in Johannesburg.
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