AU in full support of SA's approach towards Gaza conflict - chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat

• An Israeli delegation was on Wednesday banned from entering the AU headquarters in Ethiopia.
• The chairperson urged the AU to approach climate change, faltering democracy and human rights holistically.
• The theme of this year's summit is education-centred.

Events leading to the African Union (AU) heads of state summit set for this weekend have shown a strong pro-Palestine sentiment, while Israel remains suspended from being an observer.

Just like 2023, reports say an Israeli delegation was on Wednesday banned from entering the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The AU had previously issued a statement to indicate the two-day ministerial session on 14-15 February would be strictly on a "1+0" invite for heads of missions stationed in Ethiopia and could not be transferred.

Addressing delegates at the ministerial meeting on Wednesday, the chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the Gaza conflict was an embarrassment to the world - and, for it to end, there was a need for a political solution.

He said:

"We have, in the early hours of this war, and the unspeakable atrocities that accompany it, called for a cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages and prisoners, and a resolute commitment to a political solution based on the principle of both states living in peace and in respect of international law, in the total security of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, and of all the peoples of the region," he said.

South Africa approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of being in breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The ICJ ordered Israel to ensure that Israeli troops do not commit genocide and to prohibit and punish incitement to commit genocide.

Israel also had to give humanitarian relief, preserve documents, and submit a compliance report by 26 February.

On Monday, SA asked the ICJ to order additional emergency measures ahead of Israel's assault on Rafah.

Mahamat said the AU was wholly behind South Africa in its approach towards the Gaza conflict.

"I would like here to welcome the decision of the International Court of Justice and salute the firm commitment of the Republic of South Africa to this effect," he said.

Conflict and governance

He added that the wars, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had a direct effect on Africa, which was compounded by its own conflicts.

"The repercussions of this global geopolitical fact reach our continent which, unfortunately, is also facing serious situations of armed conflict, whether it is Sudan in flames and incredible devastation, Somalia still subject to jihadist threat in a situation in the Horn of Africa, which continues to worry, the Great Lakes with the eternal tension in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya divided and constantly exposed to instability, and the Sahel still exposed to terrorist danger," he said.

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"The resurgence of military coups, pre- and post-election violence, humanitarian crises linked to war, and the effects of climate change are all very serious sources of concern for us. 

"They pose a serious threat to tarnish the signs of the emergence of the Africa of which we are proud. At a time when all these tragedies are killing in large numbers and throwing thousands of people into precariousness and misery," he said.

A former AU chairperson, Senegal's President Macky Sall, is expected to arrive at the summit, having delayed elections in his home country, which were due on 25 February.

The AU in a statement on Wednesday urged Sall to revert to the country's set timelines for holding elections. However, his government announced that elections would be held on 15 December.

There are also internet disruptions in Senegal, which civic society says is an onslaught on freedom of expression and the media. 

Senegal has long been hailed as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, but coups have made a comeback in recent years. 

Coups resulted in Mali, Guinea Bissau, Niger, Burkina Faso and Gabon being suspended from the AU.

Since January, there have been elections in the Comoros, where outgoing AU chairperson, President Azali Assoumani, won a fourth term of office.

Big chance

International Crisis Group's (ICG) programme director for Africa, Murithi Mutiga, said: "With violence escalating in many parts of Africa and the risk of inter-state war growing, this year's AU summit presents a critical opportunity for member states to tackle the many challenges facing the continent. 

"While financial and political constraints have limited the AU's ability to meet its commitments to mediation and peacekeeping, the body still plays an important role in advancing African perspectives in global debates and addressing obstacles to continental peace and security.

"Member states should use the moment to lay out a roadmap for the year ahead and shore up the body's capacity to act effectively for peace," he said.

READ | DRC's Tshisekedi pleads with the AU and UN to sanction Rwandan and M23 rebel leaders

"African leaders gathering for the AU summit in Addis Ababa this weekend should use this opportunity to deal with Africa's many dire conflicts. They should bolster diplomacy to avert escalation in the Great Lakes. 

"They should do everything possible to end the war in Sudan. A new AU panel for Sudan was appointed last month that could steer AU efforts and work with others, such as the UN special envoy for Sudan. 

"The AU should also keep channels of communication open with countries in the Sahel and put Cameroon's Anglophone conflict on the agenda," she said.

The theme of this year's summit is: "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa."