Israel rallies African nations to restore its observer status at AU

Israel is seeking to restore its observer status at the Africa Union (AU) and has called for backing on the same.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is ready and willing to work with the continent after it pulled out in the 1980s, following its frosty relationship with the region's States for supporting apartheid rule in South Africa.

"Israel is coming back to Africa and Africa to Israel. I welcome you (African) States to help us restore observer status at the AU since Israel desires to join with African countries to create new partnerships in security and development," said the PM, after holding bilateral talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He stressed that Africa has no better friend outside the continent than Israel, especially when it comes to security and development.

"Others may exceed Israel but it is our desire to be part of this historic development. African nations should live beyond the dark past and focus on a future based on progressive change. Things are changing in the world," he said.

Netanyahu said relations between Arabs and the Middle East is not like it was before hence the need for Africa to also forge ahead on the same front.

Kenyatta acknowledged that the severed relationship between Israel and Africa has been an impediment in enhancing good ties.

"I know difficult relations with the continent has caused many challenges. But, to fight our biggest challenge, which is terrorism, we must spearhead the socio-economic agenda by working together to improve the growth rate," the President said.

He continued: "AU is central in fostering ties with the continent. The international community coming together is welcome and there should be criteria on how to reestablish relations with Israel in order to rekindle its observer status."

Netanyahu was in total agreement with Kenyatta even as it emerged that some embassies were closed as a result of the bad relations with Africa.

NOT ROSY

"We are not refusing to acknowledge there was a problem. We cannot bury our head in the sand. The world is changing and so are we. Israel is having good relations with her neighbours, which is historic, why not Africa?" Kenyatta questioned.

Israel was an observer member of the Organisation of African Unity until 2002, when it was dissolved and replaced by the African Union.

It was blocked from being included as an AU observer by the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Netanyahu also recognised past relations with Kenya and lauded the founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's assistance during the operation in Entebbe, Uganda to rescue Israeli hostages.

President Kenyatta also noted that the two briefly discussed the stalled Israel-Palestine peace talks.

"As a country we are keen to see permanent peace brokered between these two parties that will lead to greater freedom and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians," Kenyatta said.

He continued: "Kenya is certainly committed to supporting a peace process in whatever way she can and we continue to see Israel as a critical partner, friend and ally".