Africa Union chief pleas for humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - African Union (AU) Chair Moussa Fakki Mahamat issued a plea Tuesday for a humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Mahamat emphasized the humanitarian crises and blatant disregard for international law and humanitarian law in an address to the Pan-African Parliament.He noted that innocent Palestinians are paying a heavy price, enduring unimaginable suffering and loss of life.

"The shelling of Palestinian civilians, the systematic destruction of their lives, their means of existence, the trivialization of death, all these anomalies combine into a tragedy, which has lasted for a hundred days already," he said. "I once again reiterate our call for a humanitarian cease-fire and urge the international community to give concrete form to the two-state solution that it had unanimously decided.”

The two-state solution aims to resolve the conflict by establishing two independent states -- one for Israel and one for Palestine. Any deal requires agreements on borders, Jerusalem's status, refugee rights and security guarantees.

Mahamat highlighted the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as he condemned both for violations of international law and the profound human suffering it has engendered. He also urged a cease-fire.

- Africa regional challenges

Mahamat also touched on conflicts in Sudan and eastern Congo in acknowledging Africa's challenges.

He underscored the importance of Africa's unity as the continent grapples with its unique set of issues.

"Africa is also not exempt from conflict, the only recourse that Africa has in the face of the challenges of our time is its unity and solidarity," he said.

He stressed that unity should be built with perseverance and tolerance, transcending particularities and focusing on mutual understanding.

Mahamat also addressed the need for institutional reform within the AU and urged the completion of the ongoing process and identification of remaining challenges.

He particularly highlighted the "recurring crisis within the Pan-African Parliament," and urged "clear and courageous decisions" and necessary legal and technical adaptations.