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Israel's observer membership had been granted in 2021, a result of fierce lobbying by Israel's Ethiopian born Ambassador to Ethiopia, Alelign Admasu. Israel had attempted to gain membership since at least 2002.

The decision to grant Israel observer status sparked protests by AU member states at the time. Some countries, including Algeria and South Africa, accused AU Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat of violating the AU charter, with the unilateral decision to accept Israel.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/23/israel-granted-observer-status-at-the-african-union