Many African nations cut diplomatic and other ties with Israel after the 1973 Ramadan War (Yom Kippur War). However, many factors – from the desire for Israeli agricultural and security technologies to various US-brokered deals (Camp David, Oslo, Abraham Accords) aimed at peace and normalisation – have seen most of Africa back on diplomatic talking terms with Tel Aviv.
Even South Africa, which strongly sympathises with the Palestinian cause and regards Israeli actions as comparable to the apartheid regime’s, has an embassy in Tel Aviv. However, Pretoria downgraded relations last year – and currently has no ambassador. Out of the Alliance of Sahel states (AES), only Burkin Faso recognises Israel but has no formal relations with it. There is no Israeli embassy or consulate in Burkina Faso. However, the Israeli Embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, issues visas to citizens of Burkina Faso. There is no such service for citizens of Mali and Niger.
Keeping their backs turned fully towards the Israeli regime are Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Somalia, and Tunisia. Could Israel’s current indiscriminate war against Gaza change the overall picture? Let us know in the comments.