The Deputy Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy in Ethiopia, Mr. Or Daniely took part in the round table meeting on peace and security in Africa, hosted by Institute for Peace and Security Studies(IPSS), Addis Ababa University on 23,10,2018.
The Africa Peace and Security Programme (APSP) is a joint program of the African Union and IPSS, mandated by the African Union (AU) Executive Council Decision. With the mandate from the AU, IPSS has positioned itself to provide a veritable and honest platform for the incubation and exchange of innovative ideas, and translating such ideas into concrete action.
The relation between Israel and Africa can be traced back to the biblical times. However, in modern-day history, the determination of the Israeli people to stand with the African content is far back than one might think. The father of modern political Zionism, Theodor Herzl, way before the establishment of the State of Israel, wrote in his book titled Altneuland, “once I have witnessed the redemption of the Jews, my people, I wish also to assist in the redemption of the Africans.”
Immediately after the realization of Herzl's dream of creating the state of the Jewish, leaders of the newborn nation, set out to share knowledge and expertise with the continent. It is with this spirt that Israeli Agency for Development Cooperation- MASHAV was launched in late1957. At the time, it aimed at sharing with the rest of the developing world the know-how and technologies, which provided the basis for Israel's own rapid development. However, growth or cooperation in development will only be possible in a secure and peaceful environment.
The danger of growing violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism may pose a seriously threat on peace and security around the globe and the situation in African is no different. With this regard, the Israeli long-lasting experience of handling complicated security situations is relevant more than ever.
Such platforms offer new opportunities for African countries in their fight against the adversaries of peace and security. Undeniably, the development of African countries or any country for that matter depends on the preservation of peace and security. The government and people of the State of Israel stand with Africa in the pursuit of development, peace and security.