Israeli ambassador Avraham Neguise was expelled from an African Union conference in Ethiopia after several member states refused to participate alongside him. The Foreign Ministry criticized the chairperson for introducing anti-Israel elements during a commemoration event. This incident reflects escalating tensions linked to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and corresponds with ongoing international legal challenges regarding war crimes.
Avraham Neguise, Israel’s ambassador to Ethiopia, was expelled from a conference on the Rwandan genocide held by the African Union in Addis Ababa. His removal followed the refusal of multiple member states to attend the event alongside him, as confirmed by Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The Ministry criticized statements made by Mahmoud Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, labeling them as politically charged and inappropriate for the occasion commemorating the Tutsi genocide victims.
Israel’s reentry to the African Union as an observer member occurred in July 2021. Neguise, a former member of the ruling Likud Party, has served as ambassador since August 2024. This incident mirrors an earlier occurrence in February 2023, when an Israeli diplomat was expelled from the 36th African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
This event unfolds amidst heightened tensions, as the Israeli military launched renewed assaults on Gaza, leading to significant casualties and destruction since mid-March. The Israeli offensive has reportedly resulted in over 1,400 deaths and further escalated the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by past ceasefire agreements. The International Criminal Court has issued warrants against high-ranking Israeli officials for alleged war crimes, while the International Court of Justice is considering a genocide case linked to the conflict in Gaza.
The expulsion of Israeli ambassador Avraham Neguise from the Rwandan genocide conference highlights growing diplomatic tensions resulting from the ongoing violence in Gaza and reflects broader disapproval among African states towards Israel’s actions. The backlash against both Neguise and the statements made by AU leadership underscores the complexity of political relations in the region, especially in the context of humanitarian crises and international legal scrutiny.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
