‘First Gathering of Its Kind: Africa-Israel Summit Forges Geopolitical Ties

Jerusalem, 12 September, 2024 (TPS) -- More than 40 African parliamentarians from 20 different countries concluded the first ever Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, with a resolution reaffirming Israel’s right to exist with Jerusalem as its capital and vowing to strengthen bilateral ties.

“As African economies are growing, a mutually prosperous relationship between emerging nations and the start-up nation of Israel will be significant,” said Erik Selle, founder of the Africa-Israel Initiative, which co-hosted the inaugural Africa-Israel Parliamentary Summit.

Alongside Israel, the event brought together lawmakers from Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“This is the first gathering of its kind,” said Bishop Dennis Nthumbi, Africa director of the Israel Allies Foundation. “As the organizer and moderator, I’ve witnessed a renewed enthusiasm and affection from Africa toward Israel. Having faced terrorism, jihadism, and colonialism, Africans identify with the Jewish experience of oppression. Through the Addis Ababa resolution, we pledge to bless and support Israel. We seek to align ourselves with God, so that our nations may be blessed.”

Climate change and Israeli solutions were among the key issues of interest for attendees, Israeli MK Amit Halevi said.

“Many African nations face similar climate challenges, and by sharing knowledge, I am confident we can bring life to many of our peoples and nations,” said Halevi.

During the summit, the parliamentarians also came together to sign a surprise declaration in support of Israel.

“In a world where antisemitism is once again on the rise, where hatred seeks to tear apart the fabric of our global community, it is more important than ever that we stand firm in our support for Israel and the Jewish people,” said Africa-Israel Initiative president Joshua Mulinge.