DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi reaffirms his support for Israeli observer status with the African Union during his visit to Jerusalem
Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is seen in the capital Kinshasa. Photo: Reuters / Olivia Acland
Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Thursday reaffirmed his support for Israel’s observer status with the African Union (AU) – the regional organization with 55 member states from across the African continent.
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Jerusalem, Tshisekedi, who is also the president of the AU, pledged to continue supporting Israel’s membership in the AU. Tshisekedi also pledged to strengthen DR Congo’s bilateral relations with Israel through the forthcoming opening of an economic mission in the Israeli capital.
Israel was accepted as an observer by the AU in July. Chad Aleli Admasu, Israel’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Burundi, presented his credentials to Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, at the bloc’s headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The Jewish state had previously held observer status with the AU’s predecessor, the Organization of African Unity, but had been thwarted for nearly 20 years in its attempt to join the regional grouping until the breakthrough of last summer.
Earlier this month, the Palestinian Authority urged the AU to revoke Israel’s observer status. Israel “must be held accountable and exposed, unrewarded and accommodated,” PA Foreign Minister Riyad Malki wrote in an October 14 letter to the AU Executive Council.
Tshisekedi’s meeting with Bennett followed his talks on Wednesday with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. At a joint press conference, Herzog alluded to advertising posters that appeared in Israel stating: “Felix, stop corrupt anti-Semitic discrimination! – an apparent reference to the Jewish origins of Tshisekedi’s main political rival in DR Congo, Moise Katumbi.
“The State of Israel unconditionally supports your strong leadership,” Herzog told his guest.
Tshisekedi received an award at a ceremony in Jerusalem on Thursday in honor of his visit. The Jewish National Fund of South Africa and the South African Friends of Israel presented Tshisekedi with their first “Israel Olive Tree Prize in Africa,” which recognizes leaders who promote closer ties between Israel and Israel. Africa.