Why African countries must prioritise national interest, security, others in ties with Israel, by expert
African states have been urged to prioritise their national interests, strengthen governance and security institutions, and work toward greater continental unity in foreign policy and ties with Israel. A Professor
African states have been urged to prioritise their national interests, strengthen governance and security institutions, and work toward greater continental unity in foreign policy and ties with Israel.
A Professor of International Relations, Hassan Saliu, who said this during a Foreign Policy Lecture Series at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, stressed that Africa must carefully assess its international partnerships while paying close attention to geopolitical developments involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
His lecture was in-depth on Israel’s growing engagement with Africa and the geopolitical implications for the continent.
Saliu, who described Israel as one of the most debated countries in global politics, particularly within Africa, observed that opinions about Israel in Nigeria and across Africa have historically been divided, with support and criticism shaped by religious, political, and strategic considerations. He added that Nigeria’s foreign policy toward Israel has often reflected a complex and sometimes ambiguous relationship.
He characterised Israel’s approach to international relations as highly security-driven, noting that the country has historically relied on strong military capabilities to pursue its strategic objectives. The professor also referenced Israel’s historical ties with South Sudan and controversial engagements during the era of Apartheid in South Africa.
Professor Saliu further argued that the structure of the international system tends to favour Israel, particularly because of the influence of the United States and other Western powers. He cited instances where African countries faced diplomatic pressure after resisting U.S. policy regarding the status of Jerusalem, describing this as evidence of the asymmetry of power in global politics.
During the lecture, he outlined three major perspectives commonly used to interpret Israel’s actions in international affairs.
The pro-Israel perspective, he explained, sees Israel as a state operating in a hostile regional environment and therefore acting largely in self-defence. Proponents argue that civilian casualties in conflicts often occur unintentionally during operations against hostile groups.
The anti-Israel perspective emphasises Israel’s repeated military engagements and argues that stronger international frameworks are needed to ensure peaceful coexistence between Israel and its neighbours. Advocates of this view often hold Israel accountable for perceived aggression and violations of international law.
The “live-and-let-live” perspective calls for coexistence between Israel and Arab states and stresses the need for peaceful solutions such as the two-state model.
Professor Saliu also examined divisions within the Arab world, particularly between blocs aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. He suggested that these rivalries have weakened collective Arab responses to Israel and created opportunities for Israel to expand its diplomatic influence.
On Israel–Africa relations, the professor traced several phases of engagement, ranging from early hostility with countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco, to periods of negotiation following agreements such as the Camp David Accords.
He also highlighted more recent developments, including Israel’s attempt to obtain observer status at the African Union and its growing diplomatic and security partnerships across the continent.
As part of his analysis, Professor Saliu cited the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide in Gaza, noting that the move reflects Africa’s effort to assert a voice in global legal and diplomatic processes.
Despite the controversies surrounding Israel’s actions, he acknowledged that several African countries, including Nigeria, have benefited from Israeli technical assistance, agricultural innovation, and security cooperation—though these contributions are often less visible in public discourse.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the institute said the lecture series was designed to stimulate informed discussion, debate, and intellectual engagement on global developments affecting Nigeria and Africa.
He explained that the initiative was inspired by the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Governing Board, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, who proposed a platform that would encourage critical analysis of international affairs and strengthen public understanding of foreign policy issues.
According to the Director-General, Israel’s expanding diplomatic and strategic activities across Africa—alongside reports of a possible recognition of Somaliland—have generated debate among African scholars and policymakers about the country’s long-term geopolitical intentions on the continent.
He noted that these developments highlight the need for Nigerians and Africans to better understand Israel’s foreign policy orientation and its evolving influence in Africa.
The lecture concluded with a onliquestion-and-answer session, reflecting the NIIA’s ongoing commitment to promoting dialogue, research, and informed debate on global issues affecting Nigeria and Africa.
