The African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine.
Yhe AUC chair, Mahmoud Youssouf, welcomed the move, calling it consistent with the African Union’s position on the Palestinian people’s rights, including their right to self-determination.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Commission confirmed that this decision fits with its continued support for a two-state solution.
The AU supports the idea of Israel and Palestine existing peacefully side by side with secure borders.
Macron announced France’s plan to officially recognise Palestine during a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.
Once formalised, France will become the first country within the G7—a group of the world’s major developed economies—to take this step.
At present, 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations already recognise the State of Palestine.
France’s upcoming recognition marks a new level of international backing for Palestinian statehood, especially from major Western powers.
The French decision comes at a time of ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of more than 59,700 Palestinians.
Many of the victims are reported to be women and children, according to international monitoring groups.
The AU Commission continues to support peaceful efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It maintains that negotiations leading to mutual recognition and statehood for both parties are the best path forward.