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While the global push to recognise Palestine gains traction with over 80% of UN member states now on board, two African countries stand apart; Cameroon and Eritrea.

Unlike most African nations, which have long supported Palestinian statehood, these two governments maintain close ties with Israel, driven by strategic survival rather than ideology.

Cameroon:

  • President Paul Biya restored ties with Israel in 1986, prioritising security cooperation.
  • Israel provides military training, surveillance tech, and intelligence used against domestic threats like Boko Haram and separatist groups.
  • Biya’s regime, in power since 1982, views Israel as essential for regime stability, even at the cost of continental solidarity.

Eritrea:

  • Under President Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea has become one of the world’s most isolated regimes.
  • Shunned by the West over human rights abuses and regional conflicts, Eritrea sees Israel as a rare ally offering support without political conditions.
  • Israel gains strategic access to the Red Sea region, while Eritrea benefits from diplomatic cover.

Regional Context:

  • Most African nations support Palestine, with South Africa leading legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
  • The African Union has condemned Israeli actions and embraced Palestinian leadership, highlighting Cameroon and Eritrea’s divergence.

Analysts’ View:

Experts argue both countries are prioritising regime survival over principles or continental unity. Their dependence on Israel for security and diplomacy keeps them from aligning with the broader African or global consensus on Palestine.

In short, Cameroon and Eritrea’s refusal to recognise Palestine reflects political pragmatism, not a rejection of Palestinian rights — but it leaves them isolated in Africa’s diplomatic landscape.