Under scrutiny: Moussa Faki Mahamat’s alleged biases cloud AU’s neutrality

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned the recent Israeli military incursion into Rafah, a critical area in the southern Gaza Strip, emphasizing the dire humanitarian implications and calling for international intervention to halt the ongoing escalation.

Late Tuesday, a statement from Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairman of the AU Commission, outlined his profound concerns regarding the conflict. He decried the "mass deaths and systematic destruction" resulting from the Israeli operations in Gaza and condemned the extension of the conflict to Rafah, which serves as a vital passageway for humanitarian aid. Mahamat's call to the international community stresses the need for coordinated efforts to end the violence.

In a parallel development, the Israeli military announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday. This decision comes four days after the closure triggered by rocket attacks, marking a temporary resumption of humanitarian aid flows into Gaza.

Mahamat's tenure has been marked by outspoken criticism of Israel, which has not only fueled controversy but also raised questions about his impartiality.

Accusations of disseminating misinformation and failing to denounce the actions of Hamas in the conflict underscore a perceived bias. Rumors suggest that Mahamat's stance may be influenced by financial support from certain Arab regimes, though these claims remain unverified.

While the AU chairman’s pronouncements reflect a critical view of Israel, they do not represent the stance of all African nations. Many countries on the continent maintain robust diplomatic relations with Israel and advocate for a balanced approach aimed at facilitating peace.

Notably, nations such as South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya have expressed more pronounced hostility towards Israeli policies.