Controversy: Salone Midde East Diplomacy Compromised
In an unexpected twist of diplomatic manoeuvring, the Gaza-based Hamas resistance movement has issued a fervent plea to Sierra Leone to reconsider its decision to establish an embassy in the contentious city of al-Quds, a city at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This call to action came as a surprise to many, stirring international interest and debate.
Hamas spokesperson, Abdul-Latif Qanu, passionately condemned Sierra Leone’s decision, labeling it a betrayal of Palestinian rights and an endorsement of what he described as the “fascist occupation” of Palestinian lands. “Such an unfortunate position from the government of Sierra Leone comes at a time when Israeli crimes and terrorism against our people, land, and holy sites have become more intensive than ever,” Qanu stated in a poignant declaration.
He further warned that this decision could potentially embolden the Israeli regime to persist in its alleged violations of Palestinian rights and seize more Palestinian territories, particularly in the contested city of al-Quds. “This would give the occupying regime’s army and settlers the green light to persist in violations of [Palestinians’ rights] and expropriate more Palestinian lands, especially in occupied al-Quds,” Qanu passionately emphasized.
The plea, however, came in response to a significant diplomatic development. Sierra Leone has emerged as the sixth nation to pledge the establishment of an embassy in the hotly disputed city, a move that starkly defies international consensus on the status of al-Quds. This bold step was announced by President Julius Maada Bio, following his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
Cohen, who has been actively advocating for more nations to recognize Israel and move their embassies to al-Quds, appears to be making particular efforts in garnering support from countries in the Pacific and African regions. This move is part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to solidify its international standing and build alliances across the globe.
The history between Sierra Leone and Israel has been marked by fluctuations and shifts. The two nations initially established diplomatic ties in 1961, right after Sierra Leone gained independence from Great Britain. However, these relations were suspended in 1973 during Israel’s conflict with Arab states, only to be restored in 1992. Notably, while Sierra Leone doesn’t host an Israeli embassy, the country operates a diplomatic mission from Ghana to serve both nations.
The decision by Sierra Leone, a country with a Muslim population of nearly 80%, has ignited intense debate, especially within African nations. Historically, many African nations have been critical of Israel due to concerns over the Palestinian situation. Nevertheless, Israel has been actively seeking to forge new alliances within the African continent in recent years.
The backdrop of this entire situation is the contentious history of al-Quds. Israel’s annexation of East al-Quds in 1980 has been widely regarded as illegal and has garnered substantial international condemnation. Former US President Donald Trump’s decision to move the US embassy to al-Quds in 2018 had caused significant outrage across the Muslim world.
The majority of embassies in Israel are located in the coastal city of Tel Aviv, with only four situated in al-Quds – Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, and the United States. As Sierra Leone’s decision sparks both applause and outrage, it remains to be seen how this brave move will influence the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the broader geopolitical landscape.
