Africa-Israel Summit Convenes in Ethiopia

The inaugural Africa-Israel Summit culminated 40 parliament members from 20 African nations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 10-11, and together, they signed a resolution for a commitment to support Israel, affirming its right to exist, and recognizing Jerusalem as it’s unified capital. The gathering was the first and largest of its kind. 

The resolution also denounces anti-Zionism as a form of antisemitism, condemns terrorist attacks against Israel, including from Hamas and other Iran-backed groups, opposes legal fights against Israel, and supports the culmination of multilateral dialogue and peace, including the Abraham Accords. Additionally, it enhanced the call for diplomatic and economic ties between Africa and Israel. 

“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.” said Bishop Dennis Nthumbi, Africa director of the Israel Allies foundation. 

 “Those who bless Israel will be blessed, and I believe that as we deepen our commitment to this relationship, we too will experience the immense favor and prosperity that comes with standing in unity with God’s chosen people. 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 Bishop Joshua Mulinge, president of the Africa-Israel initiative. 

The event comes in light of important developments, including the October 7th attacks on Israel, which was the deadliest day for Jews since the end of the Holocaust, and South Africa’s accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice. 

“Israel has what you need to develop. You shouldn’t look to Europe. You shouldn’t look to America, you shouldn’t look to the past. You need to look to the future, and for Africa, Israel is the future.” said Erik Selle, founder of the Africa-Israel initiative.

MK Sharren Haskel, chair of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, highlighted the deep connection between Israel and African nations and the strengthening of economic and diplomatic ties to combat radical Islam across the region. To counter this, she proposed the creation of the “Queen of Sheba” accords, a framework based on human values, dialogue, mutual cooperation. 

“Our alliance in the Abraham Accords with our Arab partners was first based on the mutual need for security…with the growing threat of Iran in our region and Iranian-backed militias. These [Queen of Sheba] accords are unique because they put the people in the center of them. We should expand them to more African countries. None of us have territorial claims over one another, which means these agreements are only for the sake of humans and their well-being for our children’s prosperity,” said MK Haskel. 

“Africa can gain a valuable lesson in hope from Israel. Pope Francis refers to Africa as ‘the continent of hope,’ and Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, means “the hope.” It symbolizes the unwavering hope of a people who have preserved their aspirations of returning to their ancestral land throughout the centuries… What we now know as Medinat Yisrael is, in essence, the fulfillment of God’s promise to settle His people in their land.” said Fr. Dr. Louison Emerick Bissila, Chaplain of the African Union.