The African Union, alongside a coalition of 104 UN member states, has condemned Israel’s recent designation of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “persona non grata.”
In a statement issued on Friday, the coalition emphasized its strong support for Guterres and criticized the action taken by Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz, asserting that it undermines the United Nations’ core mission. The group warned that such a designation could hinder ongoing efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and obstruct the establishment of a two-state solution, which envisions peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel, in line with relevant UN resolutions.
This unified response from African nations highlights their commitment to international diplomacy and the principle of multilateralism. The coalition reiterated its full confidence in Guterres, commending his dedication to promoting peace, security, and adherence to international law, including humanitarian standards relevant to the Middle East.
The African Union and the coalition called for respect for the UN’s leadership and mission, urging all parties to refrain from actions that could weaken the UN’s role in conflict resolution. Instead, they encouraged support for initiatives that contribute to a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis in the region.
Israel’s decision to bar Guterres from entering the country followed his call for immediate de-escalation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Israeli government accused Guterres of not explicitly condemning Iran for its alleged involvement in recent rocket attacks. While Guterres condemned the violence and called for a cease-fire, he did not directly address Iran’s role, further complicating diplomatic relations in the region.
This situation underscores the importance of African nations in international discussions and their advocacy for a peaceful resolution to global conflicts, emphasizing the African Union’s active role on the world stage.