Israel's ambassador expelled from African Union event in Rwanda commemoration

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Israel's ambassador to Ethiopia, Avraham Neguise, was expelled from an annual commemoration event for the Rwandan genocide that took place in 1994. This incident occurred recently as several countries objected to his participation. The Israeli Foreign Ministry labeled his ejection as outrageous, stating that it reflected a lack of understanding regarding the history of both the Rwandan and Jewish peoples. The ambassador's invitation by Rwanda highlighted the close ties between the two nations, especially given their shared experiences of genocide. The African Union Commission, led by chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf, reportedly requested the ambassador's removal due to his lack of appropriate accreditation. This circumstance added to the ongoing tensions between Israel and the African Union, where Israel has been trying to strengthen its relationships with African countries after being reinstated as an observer member in 2021. However, just two years later, Israel's observer status was once again suspended for review by a committee of African heads of state. Israel's foreign relations have come under increased scrutiny especially following military actions in Gaza and the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The recent events in Addis Ababa, including the public treatment of its ambassador, signal the fragile nature of Israel's standing within the African Union. Hamas has also praised the decision to expel the Israeli ambassador, asserting it as a bold stance against Israel. This incident is not isolated; it marks a continuation of past tensions where Israeli envoys have previously faced similar ejections from African Union gatherings. With strong ties to Palestinian leadership, the African Union's actions suggest a broader anti-Israel sentiment that complicates Israel's diplomatic efforts on the continent, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and reconciliation between Israel and African nations.