adminThe Herald, 9 August, 1984
TUNIS. — Divisions among Arabs and Africans are only helping Israel and South Africa to tighten and extend their political and military alliance, Palestine Liberation Organisation leader Cde Yasser Arafat warned here on Tuesday.
The United States was also working to divide Africans and Arabs and undermine their dreams of independence and dignity, he told the opening session of an Arab conference of solidarity with the struggle to liberate Southern Africa, jointly organised by the United Nations Committee on Apartheid and the Arab League.
Cde Arafat stressed three points:
The “historic interest” between the liberation struggles in Southern Africa and Palestine.
The need for a “concrete and effective” Afro-Arab solidarity to prevent any Israeli infiltration of Africa.
The dangers of the “political, military, even nuclear”, alliance between Israel and South Africa for the future of Africa and for the peace and stability of the world.
The three-day conference will focus on the contribution of governments and organisations to increasing support for the South African people’s struggle against racial discrimination. The conference will also deal with the consequences the alliance between Israel and South Africa has on the Arab and African peoples.
Attending the conference are delegations of Arab League member countries, representatives of Frontline States, the OAU, UN organisations and commissions, the ANC, Swapo, the PLO and other government and non-government organisations.
Lessons For Today
Afro-Arab unity is vital in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian question because it enhances historical connections, strengthens political leverage, fosters economic cooperation, promotes cultural understanding, addresses internal divisions, counteracts external influences, and advocates for human rights.
Afro-Arab unity has seen South Africa take Israel to the International Court of Justice seeking justice for Palestine.
By presenting a cohesive stance, Afro-Arab nations can exert greater pressure on global powers to address the injustices faced by Palestinians. This collective voice is crucial in countering narratives that seek to delegitimise Palestinian claims or normalise Israeli policies.
Arafat believed that solidarity between African and Arab nations was crucial for achieving political goals, particularly in the context of the Palestinian struggle for self-determination and statehood.
Arafat’s advocacy for Afro-Arab unity was driven by a desire to create a cohesive front against oppression while promoting peace and justice in Palestine and across both regions. He saw this unity as vital not only for immediate political objectives but also for long-term stability and prosperity.
Online Reporter