SIAD BARRE ON ISRAELI OCCUPATION

Prominent Africans have long been warning of the dangers of Israel’s policies.

In this 1979 address to the UN General Assembly, then-Somali president Mohamed Siad Barre told the world that the Israeli seizure of Arab lands in 1967 and subsequent establishment of permanent settlements in these regions would have dire consequences for peace.

Today, Israel says its current war in Gaza is a justified response to the October 7th Hamas atrocities. Many Africans and others think that’s too simplistic - and ignores the fact that Tel Aviv has mistreated Palestinians for decades, including in the way Barre described. October 7th, they argue, was itself a ‘response’ in a long-running conflict.

Perhaps if the world listened more to African voices it would be a better place. Tell us if you agree.