Nam, SA object Israel’s AU observer status

By Confidente Reporter

Governments of Namibia and South Africa have said that they are appalled at the unjust and unwarranted decision of the AU Commission to grant Israel observer status in the African Union.

The African Union Commission has taken this decision unilaterally without consultations with its members.

In a statement this week, Penda Naanda, Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said that granting observer status to an occupying power is contrary to the principles and objectives of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, particularly at a time when the State of Israel is increasing its acts of oppression in total violation of international law and disregard for the human rights of the Palestinian people.

“It is also contrary to the firm and solid commitment of the Heads of State and Government of the AU to support the Palestinian cause, as evidenced in the various declarations adopted at each Ordinary Session of the Assembly.

Namibia believes on the two states as a solution to the issues between the State of Israel and Palestine.

“Namibia therefore, disassociates itself from granting observer status to the State of Israel, while the reason of Israel loss of the observer status in 2002 remains unchanged. Namibia maintains that Israel can only regain observer status at the AU on condition that it ceases to occupy Palestine, and grant its people the right to self-determination,” he said

Equally, Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO said that the decision to grant Israel Observer Status is even more shocking in a year in which the oppressed people of Palestine were hounded by destructive bombardments and continued illegal settlements of the land.

“The African Union strenuously objected to the deaths of Palestinians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The decision by the AU Commission in this context is inexplicable. The unjust actions committed by Israel offend the letter and spirit of the Charter of the African Union. The AU embodies the aspirations of all Africans and reflects their confidence that it can lead the continent through the practical expression of the goals of the Charter, especially on issues relating to self-determination and decolonisation.

“Israel continues to illegally occupy Palestine in complete defiance of its international obligations and relevant UN resolutions. It is therefore incomprehensible that the AU Commission chooses to reward Israel at a time when its oppression of Palestinians has been demonstrably more brutal.

The South African government will ask the Chairperson of the Commission to provide a briefing to all member states on this decision which we hope, will be discussed by the Executive Council and the Assembly of Heads of States and Government,” he said.