By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a landmark gathering at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 17-18 February 2024, leaders from across the continent voiced a unified and resolute stance on the escalating crisis in Palestine and the broader Middle East region.
The draft declaration, titled "Declaration on the Situation in Palestine and the Middle East," emerged from intense deliberations among Heads of State and Government of AU member states. The document meticulously outlined the AU's profound concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the relentless onslaught unleashed by Israeli forces upon the Gaza Strip.
Amidst the ambiance of the grand African Union headquarters, the assembly's proceedings were imbued with a sense of urgency and gravity as leaders grappled with the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine. The draft declaration, meticulously crafted over days of intensive negotiations, served as a clarion call for immediate action to halt the egregious violations of human rights and international law.
The declaration's preamble underscored the historical context of African solidarity with oppressed peoples around the world, drawing parallels between the struggles against colonialism, oppression, and apartheid in Africa and the plight of the Palestinian people. It invoked the spirit of pan-Africanism and the quest for justice and dignity for all peoples.
At the heart of the declaration lay a fervent condemnation of Israel's brutal military campaign against Gaza, which had resulted in a catastrophic loss of civilian lives, including women, children, and the elderly. Reports of indiscriminate bombings of residential areas, schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure sent shockwaves throughout the continent, prompting urgent calls for accountability and justice.
The AU's declaration articulated a series of concrete measures aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and providing immediate relief to the beleaguered Palestinian population. These measures included:
1. Strong Condemnation and Denouncement: The AU unequivocally condemned Israel's use of excessive and disproportionate force, as well as its policies of collective punishment and forced displacement of Palestinians.
2. International Intervention: The AU called for immediate international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
3. Solidarity and Support: The AU expressed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for self-determination, independence, and the right of return.
4. Diplomatic and Legal Action: The AU supported the renewal of Palestine's request for full membership in the United Nations and commended initiatives to seek justice through legal avenues, such as the Republic of South Africa's proceedings before the International Court of Justice.
Throughout the assembly, impassioned speeches resonated with the shared values of justice, dignity, and solidarity that have long defined Africa's engagement with the world. Leaders from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations spoke with one voice in defense of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people.
The declaration received widespread support from AU member states, reflecting a collective commitment to upholding the principles of international law and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Moreover, it underscored Africa's role as a global champion for justice and human rights, reaffirming the continent's place at the forefront of efforts to address the world's most pressing challenges.
As the assembly concluded its deliberations and the draft declaration was adopted unanimously, a sense of solemn determination pervaded the air. The eyes of the world turned to Addis Ababa, where Africa had once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of peace, justice, and equality for all peoples, particularly those enduring the hardships of conflict and oppression in Palestine.
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