The African Union’s enthusiastic endorsement of France’s recent declaration to recognise the State of Palestine is not merely an act of political solidarity. It reflects a deep-rooted ideological, historical, and geopolitical alignment that has long shaped the continental body’s approach to the Palestinian question.
France’s policy shift, articulated by President Emmanuel Macron, has been warmly welcomed by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, signalling a convergence of African and European diplomatic sentiment at a time of global uncertainty and shifting alliances.
To grasp the rationale behind Africa’s enduring support for Palestinian sovereignty, one must contextualise the AU’s position within its broader post-colonial ethos and the principles enshrined in its founding charter.
The African Union, and its predecessor the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), emerged in the mid-20th century as a direct response to colonial domination, racial subjugation, and foreign interference. For many African nations, the struggle of the Palestinian people mirrors their own arduous path to independence.
The Palestinian cause, for Africa, is not just about territorial disputes or religious sensitivities—it is about justice, self-determination, and the right of a people to exist in dignity within sovereign borders.
As the AU reaffirmed in its 38th Ordinary Session in February 2025, this collective stance is grounded in Africa’s own historic experiences and the international legal order, including numerous United Nations resolutions that advocate for a two-State solution.
France’s recognition is thus viewed by the AU not in isolation, but as a pivotal gesture that lends renewed legitimacy to long-standing international consensus, and it is this dimension that underscores the AU’s commendation.
For decades, the African continent has remained largely unanimous in its diplomatic recognition of the State of Palestine, with the majority of its member states maintaining embassies or formal representation with the Palestinian Authority.
In this regard, France’s move is not perceived as radical, but rather a long-overdue recalibration of Western policy toward international law and justice.
Politically, the African Union also perceives this recognition as a potential catalyst for reinvigorating multilateral engagement in the Middle East peace process—an area that has, in recent years, been overshadowed by geopolitical rivalries, the fracturing of Arab unity, and the apparent fatigue of Western diplomacy.
France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a historically influential voice in European foreign policy, brings considerable diplomatic weight to bear. Its recognition may influence other hesitant nations in the Global North to adopt similar positions, potentially shifting the balance of discourse within key international forums.
Beyond the symbolic, however, lies a more strategic calculation. Africa’s growing diplomatic assertiveness on the global stage is now intertwined with its desire to shape a multipolar world order, one where African voices are not merely reactive, but instrumental in defining the international agenda.
The AU’s support for France’s decision is therefore also an assertion of Africa’s role as a normative actor in global politics—an actor that upholds the integrity of international law and defends the rights of the disenfranchised.
Furthermore, Africa’s demographic weight, economic emergence, and expanding geopolitical ties with powers such as China, Russia, and the Gulf states have emboldened it to speak with greater unity and resolve on global matters.
Supporting Palestine’s sovereignty is consistent with this trend, reinforcing Africa’s aspiration to be seen not merely as a recipient of global policies but as a shaper of them.
From a moral standpoint, the AU’s endorsement carries a distinctly humanist appeal. The humanitarian cost of the conflict—especially in Gaza and the occupied territories—has left deep scars across African public consciousness.
Across African civil societies, universities, media platforms, and even parliaments, solidarity with the Palestinian people is widespread. The AU’s position is therefore also a reflection of popular sentiment across the continent, a rare instance where elite diplomacy and grassroots advocacy intersect seamlessly.
It is also worth noting that the AU’s stance serves to counterbalance any perceived marginalisation of the Palestinian issue amidst normalisation efforts between Israel and several Arab states.
While the Abraham Accords have altered the regional landscape, the AU maintains that no sustainable peace can be achieved without addressing the core issue of Palestinian statehood.
In supporting France’s decision, the African Union is reasserting the primacy of this principle as the bedrock of any credible peace framework.
Critics may argue that such declarations amount to little more than diplomatic theatre, with negligible impact on the ground realities in the occupied territories.
However, history has shown that symbolic recognition can be a precursor to substantive change—creating political momentum, reframing narratives, and catalysing international pressure.
In this light, France’s recognition, bolstered by the African Union’s support, could represent the opening of a new chapter in international diplomacy.
In conclusion, the African Union’s response to France’s recognition of Palestine is not only principled but profoundly strategic.
It reiterates Africa’s historical commitment to anti-colonial struggle, reinforces its adherence to international law, and affirms its position as a moral compass in global affairs.
More than a gesture of solidarity, it is a statement of Africa’s diplomatic maturity, geopolitical agency, and unwavering support for justice.
As the world confronts rising polarisation and fractured alliances, Africa’s voice—measured yet resolute—reminds us that true peace begins with recognising the humanity and rights of all peoples. Palestine is no exception.