Reports suggesting that the U.S. and Israel have considered resettling Palestinians in African countries—such as Sudan, Somalia, or Somaliland—are both absurd and dangerous. This idea is not only a blatant disregard for Palestinian rights but also an insult to Africa’s sovereignty and stability.

For decades, Israel has systematically displaced Palestinians, denying them basic freedoms while expanding illegal settlements in violation of international law. The United Nations, through resolutions such as UN Security Council Resolution 242 (1967) and UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), has repeatedly affirmed that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law. Yet, instead of holding Israel accountable, there is now talk of displacing Palestinians entirely—effectively rewarding land grabs and occupation while punishing the victims.

If displacement is truly the solution, why not resettle Palestinians in the U.S., the U.K., or Europe? Why should Africa, a continent with its own development priorities and security challenges, be forced to absorb the consequences of a crisis it did not create? African nations have already rejected this cynical proposal. Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland have reportedly refused to host Palestinian refugees, citing both solidarity with Palestine and the need to protect their own stability. Forcing a displaced population into unfamiliar territories—especially in regions with fragile security dynamics—would not bring peace. It would simply transplant conflict from the Middle East to East Africa.

Africa Must Take a Firm Stand

The African Union must recognize the broader geopolitical stakes at play. South Africa has taken a principled stand at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide. For this, it has faced retaliation from the United States, including the expulsion of its ambassador—a clear attempt to punish any nation that challenges Israel’s actions. But South Africa is unlikely to be the last target. If the U.S. is willing to pressure South Africa so openly, other African nations could soon face the same treatment—through diplomatic coercion, economic blackmail, or outright bribery.

This is why Africa must respond collectively. The African Union should pass a resolution rejecting any plan to resettle Palestinians on the continent, reaffirming that Africa will not be a pawn in external conflicts. The AU must also take a firm stand against efforts to bully or bribe African nations into submission. Countries that oppose this forced resettlement should not be left to stand alone, vulnerable to economic pressure or diplomatic isolation. Africa has long fought against colonialism and apartheid; it must not now become complicit in the forced displacement of another people.

Middle East Violence Must Not Spill Into Africa

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that the conflict in the Middle East is not one-sided. Hamas and other armed groups must also be held accountable for the killing of innocents, not only in Israel but also in regions where their extremist networks have carried out attacks. Africa has already felt the effects of this extremism—countries like Kenya and Tanzania have suffered devastating bombings linked to terrorist factions, leading to tragic loss of life. The last thing the continent needs is to become the next battleground for Middle Eastern geopolitical struggles.

The timing of this proposed resettlement scheme should also be scrutinized. The U.S. has long sought greater control over Africa’s natural resources, particularly the vast mineral wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. By engineering instability, Washington could create the conditions necessary to expand its influence, weaken national governments, and secure easier access to these resources. In this light, the push to relocate Palestinians to Africa may not be a humanitarian effort at all—it may be a calculated move in a broader strategy of economic and political control.

Africa Must Not Be Manipulated

The international community must focus on resolving the crisis at its source. That means holding Israel accountable for illegal settlement expansion, ensuring Palestinian rights are upheld, and finding a just solution that does not involve displacing an entire population. Africa has enough challenges of its own without being dragged into a war it did not start.

The AU must take a firm stand—not just in solidarity with Palestine, but also in defense of Africa’s own sovereignty and stability. South Africa has taken the first bold step. The rest of the continent must follow.

Gem Musings is a seasoned International Relations and Public Affairs Strategist with extensive experience in global diplomacy, communication, and policy analysis.