The African Union (AU), League of Arab States (LAS) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have stepped up efforts to coordinate diplomatic and legal action in support of Palestinian rights, calling for stronger international engagement towards an independent Palestinian state.
The three organisations convened a consultative meeting of their Tripartite Coordination Mechanism at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 4, 2026, to strengthen cooperation and align their positions on the Palestinian cause.
The meeting reviewed a conceptual paper outlining priorities for the mechanism, including institutional cooperation, coordinated diplomatic positions, implementation of decisions adopted at African, Arab and Islamic summits, and mobilisation of international support for a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question.
Representing African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Deputy Chief of Staff Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar reaffirmed Africa’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people, anchored in the principles of justice, self-determination, international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
“The African Union attaches great importance to this process. Our engagement is firmly anchored in the principles of solidarity, justice, self-determination, respect for international law and the peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he said.
Ambassador Omar said the AU’s position was guided by decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, including its Declaration on the Situation in Palestine and the Middle East adopted during the 39th Ordinary Session in February 2026.
He reiterated the continental body’s call for an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living alongside Israel in peace and security.
The AU also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the impact of hostilities on civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
It rejected attempts to displace Palestinians from their homeland, including the Gaza Strip, and called for adherence to international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The League of Arab States and the OIC also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trilateral cooperation and advancing the Palestinian people’s rights.
The OIC highlighted the urgent need to protect civilians, facilitate unimpeded humanitarian assistance to Gaza, support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and strengthen international legal efforts to ensure accountability.
Ambassador Dr Fayed Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector at the League of Arab States, said stronger cooperation among the three organisations was essential to advancing the Palestinian cause.
He also pointed to the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the Africa-Arab partnership in 2027, calling for deeper political, social, cultural and economic cooperation between the two regions to address shared challenges and advance their development aspirations.
Representing the OIC, Ambassador Assem Hanafi conveyed the greetings of the organisation’s Secretary-General and thanked the African Union Commission for hosting the meeting and the Arab League for its cooperation.
He reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to ending the Israeli occupation and achieving a just and lasting peace through a two-state solution.
Ambassador Hanafi called for stronger protection of civilians, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, continued support for UNRWA and accountability under international law.
He also expressed concern over Israeli settlement expansion, particularly the E1 plan, while welcoming Africa’s solidarity with Palestine, drawing parallels with the continent’s historical struggle against colonialism.
He urged the three organisations to move beyond political declarations towards practical diplomatic and legal measures, including international recognition of Palestine and its full membership in the United Nations.
The discussions underscored the need to translate political solidarity into coordinated action through joint engagement in international forums and efforts to build broader support for Palestinian statehood.
Participants also considered a joint statement on developments relating to the Palestinian cause and a proposed 2027 action plan to establish common priorities, improve implementation and strengthen follow-up mechanisms.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Omar thanked participating delegations for their constructive contributions and reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to working with the Arab League and OIC to strengthen the Tripartite Coordination Mechanism.
He expressed confidence that the discussions would deliver more effective coordination and tangible outcomes in advancing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The next meeting is expected to take place in Egypt, providing an opportunity for the three organisations to sustain momentum and deepen their diplomatic cooperation.
