Unlike its ambiguous response to the Russia-Ukraine war, the AU's position on the destruction of Gaza has been clear, but the body could play a useful short-term role beyond adding its voice to ceasefire calls.
Listen to this article 7 min Listen to this article 7 min Although not an African crisis, the Israel-Palestine conflict does affect the continent. However, not all African Union (AU) member states see the need to be involved in searching for solutions. They consider it an external issue despite its global context and the threat it poses to Africa.
Should African leaders play a role in the international effort to silence the guns in Gaza? And could this bolster the AU's growing global agency?
The conflict already directly and indirectly affects Africa's economic, diplomatic and security landscape. Solidarity shown by citizens has added to an already tense relationship between security forces and protesters in various countries. In Kenya, police disrupted a pro-Palestine protest with heavy handedness despite prior permission for the demonstration. Similar protests have been registered in countries such as Egypt and South Africa.
On top of the multiple effects of Covid-19, climate change and the Russia-Ukraine war, a protracted Middle East crisis could further impede Africa's recovery from slow economic growth. This could worsen state-citizen relations and increase weak states' vulnerability to upheaval, impacting political stability. Already, trade disruptions, oil and gas price volatility and rising...
