RAMALLAH, Thursday, October 14, 2021 (WAFA) – In an open letter addressed to the African Union’s Executive Council meeting today in Addis Ababa, Palestine’s Foreign Minister Riyad Malki urged the AU to reverse a decision by its Commission chairman granting Israel observer status at its organization.

“Over the past weeks, developments in the African Union have invited heated international debate. Namely, the attempt by some to support Israel’s application for observer status in the African organization has rightly provoked sentiments of shock and rejection by those who wish to see Africa preserve and defend its proud legacy of successfully defeating racist colonialism and oppression,” said Malki in the open letter titled “African’s Legacy in Palestine.”

“Actors, like Israel, who see international law and human rights as impediments and continue to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity have long forfeited any entitlement to have a seat at the African table. They must be held accountable and exposed, not rewarded and accommodated,” wrote the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, urging the AU to reverse its decision on granting Israel observer status.

“Israel’s observer membership would contradict and make a mockery of the very foundational principles of the African Union, the purposes and principles of its Charter, and the African Union resolutions on Palestine. The withdrawal of Israel’s Observer Status is a necessary validation of the African Union’s commitment towards its broader anti-colonialism and anti-apartheid political strategy.”

Following is the full text of Foreign Minister Malki’s open letter:

“Over the past weeks, developments in the African Union have invited heated international debate. Namely, the attempt by some to support Israel’s application for observer status in the African organization has rightly provoked sentiments of shock and rejection by those who wish to see Africa preserve and defend its proud legacy of successfully defeating racist colonialism and oppression. 

“You have heard and seen African leaders and parties vehemently protest attempts to override the African Union’s Charter and founding principles as well as circumvent the will of the peoples of the continent by fast-tracking unilateral decision to grant Israel an Observer Status at the African Union. Today, I write so that you may hear from the Palestinian people, who have historically and unwaveringly stood on the solid foundation of support to our African sisters and brothers. I write to ask that you stand by Palestine and your peoples’ legacy and reject a tacit endorsement of present-day colonialism.

“We share a historic and unparalleled bond, rooted in decolonization, anti-racism, equality, justice, and our inalienable right to self-determination. You know our pain and are able to appreciate the justness of our dignified struggle for freedom. This is why valiant struggle of African nations remains a vital cog in our compass towards liberation; a struggle we carry forth even under the most difficult and oppressive of circumstances.

“The African Union has long represented a beacon of freedom to peoples who have fought for and won their liberation from racism and colonialism. To us, the Palestinian people, the African Union is more than that. It is a safe sanctuary. Guided by its Charter, the African Union reaffirms both the inalienable right of all people to self-determination and its primary objective to eradicate colonialism in all its forms. It is place where rogue actors whose policies of racism, discrimination, colonialism, supremacy, and apartheid are condemned and rejected on principle and without exception.

“Actors, like Israel, who see international law and human rights as impediments and continue to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity have long forfeited any entitlement to have a seat at the African table. They must be held accountable and exposed, not rewarded and accommodated.

“This is why the unilateral decision to grant Israel an Observer Status at the African Union has been met with firm Palestinian, African, and international opposition. To associate our African brothers and sisters, who have fought colonialism and apartheid for decades, must not be associated with the longest and most brutal colonial project in the world today. Indeed, Israel’s observer membership would contradict and make a mockery of the very foundational principles of the African Union, the purposes and principles of its Charter, and the African Union resolutions on Palestine. The withdrawal of Israel’s Observer Status is a necessary validation of the African Union’s commitment towards its broader anti-colonialism and anti-apartheid political strategy.

“Our shared long history of solidarity and struggle against colonialism and oppression and the African legacy of anti-racism and anti-apartheid necessitates that this unfortunate nomination is discussed and reversed in the upcoming meeting of the African Union. 

“Israel’s illegal occupation and its apartheid regime remain a grave threat to international peace and security. The African Union cannot be complicit in Israel’s oppression. It should be leading the fight against racism and wielding its moral power to fulfil the aspirations of the oppressed, everywhere.

“Today, I call on you, our sisters and brothers to defend the African legacy of freedom, anti-racism and anti-apartheid. Support the sweeping voices of objection to Israel’s nomination in Africa, Palestine, and around the world. Prioritize international law and accountability in the drive for a just and peaceful solution to the Question of Palestine. This is critically important not just for Palestine but for the validity and continued viability of the rules-based international order, in which the African Union plays is an instrumental player.

“The Palestinian people continue to look to our African brothers and sisters for support and solidarity in our struggle against Israel’s illegal settler colonialism and apartheid. Our fight for a world free of racism is an ongoing and shared struggle, from the streets of Jerusalem to the streets of Abuja, Nairobi and Johannesburg. We have a shared duty ensure that the normalization of our dehumanization, demonization, and colonization is rooted out once and for all.”

M.K.