In the summit's final communiqué, African leaders expressed their “categorical rejection” of any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people, describing such actions as a grave violation of international law.

The statement also called for Palestine to be admitted as a full member state of the United Nations, stressing that full membership represents a legitimate right of the Palestinian people as part of their struggle for self-determination and an end to occupation.

African leaders also warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli blockade, voicing full solidarity with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and the establishment of an independent state along the 1967 borders.

The 39th summit of the African Union was held on February 14–15 in Addis Ababa, with the participation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Discussions focused on security and climate-related challenges, with this year’s theme centred on safe water and sanitation to drive Africa’s Development Agenda.

Speaking at the opening of the summit, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the “extermination” of the Palestinian people must end.

“In the Middle East, Palestine and the suffering of its people also challenge our consciences. The extermination of this people must stop,” Youssouf said.

For its part, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed the summit’s outcomes, praising what it described as the clear and consistent positions adopted by African leaders. In a statement, the ministry said the communiqué reflects the African continent’s support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

Palestine has held non-member observer state status at the United Nations since a General Assembly resolution on November 29, 2012.

In May 2024, the General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution supporting Palestine’s bid for full UN membership.

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