In a development that has intensified diplomatic tensions, Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abraham Neguise, was compelled to leave an African Union (AU) conference in Addis Ababa on Monday. The event, held in Nelson Mandela Hall at the AU headquarters, was dedicated to commemorating the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Neguise had been officially invited to the memorial. However, during the proceedings, certain AU member states objected to his presence, leading to his removal from the venue. The Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval of this action, particularly criticizing AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf of Djibouti. It described the incident as “outrageous,” asserting that introducing “anti-Israel political elements” at such a solemn event dishonors the memory of the genocide victims and reflects a profound misunderstanding of both Rwandan and Jewish histories.

This episode underscores the ongoing discord within the African Union regarding Israel’s involvement with the organization. In July 2021, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat granted Israel observer status, a decision that sparked significant controversy among member states. Countries like South Africa and Algeria opposed the move, arguing that it contradicted the AU’s longstanding support for Palestinian rights. The contention led to the suspension of Israel’s observer status in February 2023, pending further deliberation.

Ambassador Neguise, a former member of Israel’s Likud party, has been serving as the envoy to Ethiopia since August 2024. In response to the recent incident, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced plans to undertake diplomatic measures with relevant parties to convey the gravity with which they view the situation.

This event not only highlights the fragile nature of Israel-Africa relations but also brings to the forefront the internal challenges the African Union faces in maintaining unity among its diverse member states. The removal of Ambassador Neguise from the memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in international diplomacy and the sensitivities surrounding historical commemorations.