The African Union has welcomed France’s recent announcement of its intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine, describing the move as a step in line with Africa’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission praised the French decision, expected to be officially declared during the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly in September, and urged other nations to follow suit. The statement aligns with the AU’s policy stance reaffirmed earlier this year during its 38th Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa, where member states reiterated their collective backing for a two-state solution and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on international law and UN resolutions.
The African Union has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and just settlement that guarantees the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. The bloc has repeatedly expressed concern over the continued occupation, expansion of settlements, and humanitarian toll of the Gaza war, urging the international community to redouble efforts toward reviving peace negotiations.
France’s decision to formally recognize Palestine comes amid growing international frustration with the prolonged stalemate in the peace process and the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The announcement signals a potential turning point in European engagement with the issue, especially as several countries—including Spain, Ireland, and Norway—have taken similar steps in recent months.
The African Union, which granted Palestine observer status years ago, has positioned itself as a vocal supporter of multilateral diplomacy and a rules-based international order. Officials argue that recognizing Palestine as a state is essential for restoring balance in negotiations and creating conditions conducive to lasting peace.
With the Gaza war entering its tenth month and regional tensions at a boiling point, calls for a renewed diplomatic push have grown louder. The AU’s endorsement of France’s move adds to mounting international pressure on other global powers to recognize Palestinian statehood and advance efforts toward a durable two-state framework.
The coming weeks are expected to witness a flurry of diplomatic activity ahead of the UN General Assembly session in September, where Palestine’s status and the future of peace in the Middle East are likely to take center stage.
