In a historic act of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the African Union (AU) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause during its 38th summit in Addis Ababa. This stance, championed particularly by Algeria, which has made it a cornerstone of its foreign policy, marks a decisive moment in international support for Palestine.
African leaders unanimously rejected any attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian people, especially from Gaza, emphasizing that the right to return and self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. This position, long defended by Algeria, aligns with Africa’s anti-colonial tradition and its historical struggle for the liberation of oppressed peoples.
In light of the catastrophic situation in Gaza, where 2.2 million Palestinians have been enduring a devastating war since October 7, 2023, the AU strongly condemned the disproportionate use of force against civilians. Algeria, at the forefront of this stance, has played a key role in mobilizing continental support to demand an immediate end to hostilities and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The AU reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, a position described as « unshakable » by African heads of state. This determination is reflected in concrete actions, including a call for the immediate lifting of the Gaza blockade, political, economic, and financial support for the State of Palestine, the demand to preserve territorial unity between the West Bank and Gaza, and backing Palestine’s bid for full membership in the United Nations.
In a significant move, the AU called on its member states to cease all trade, scientific, and cultural exchanges with the Zionist entity. This decision, aligned with Algeria’s historical position, aims to exert tangible pressure to uphold international law. The summit also underscored the importance of holding accountable those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people. This demand for justice, strongly advocated by Algeria, is seen as essential for lasting peace in the region.
The AU maintains that only a two-state solution can guarantee a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. This position, consistently defended by Algeria, provides a concrete framework for resolving the conflict in accordance with international law.
Algeria’s Key Role
Algeria, true to its principles and history of anti-colonial struggle, continues to play a central role in supporting the Palestinian cause within the AU. Its firm and consistent stance helps keep the Palestinian issue at the forefront of African and international concerns.
This historic AU declaration demonstrates that Africa, united behind countries like Algeria, remains a strong and unwavering supporter of the Palestinian cause. It serves as a reminder that justice and international law must prevail to ensure the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to live freely and sovereignly on their land.
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