U.S. Military Aid to Africa Linked to Proliferation of Israeli Weapons Technology, Rights Groups Warn
WASHINGTON D.C. – A growing network of U.S. military assistance to African nations is inadvertently fueling the export and deployment of Israeli weapons and surveillance technologies,some of which have been tested during conflict in Gaza and are implicated in human rights abuses,according to a report and analysis of recent statements by international rights organizations and UN officials. The findings raise concerns about the indirect contribution of U.S. aid to a system where weapons are refined in active conflict zones and then sold globally, including to regimes with questionable human rights records.
Israel has become a significant arms exporter, with technologies refined during military operations in Gaza now reaching over 130 countries, including several in Africa. This export activity occurs despite Israel’s status as a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty and accusations of non-compliance with its principles,specifically regarding preventing the use of weapons in war crimes or human rights violations,as highlighted by amnesty International.
“Israel has used the genocide as an opportunity to test new weapons … to exterminate the population without restraint,” stated Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory, in a July address to the Human Rights Council. She further noted a 213% surge in the Tel Aviv stock exchange since October 2023, with gains totaling $225.7 billion, including $67.8 billion in the past month alone.
The connection to U.S. involvement stems from the ample military aid Washington provides to African countries. This aid frequently enough creates a demand for interoperability and training, opening doors for Israeli defense companies to offer complementary technologies and services.
Examples of these technologies in use on the continent include Pegasus spyware,developed by the Israeli cyberintelligence firm NSO Group. Authorities in Rwanda and Uganda have reportedly deployed Pegasus to surveil the smartphones of domestic dissidents,journalists,and activists. “Pegasus [was] used against journalists, activists, and even critics abroad,” said Kwata, an advocate for stronger oversight of arms deals.
Pegasus has also been used against Palestinian activists, according to Amnesty International, and is marketed as “spyware diplomacy” under Israel’s Defense Export Control Law.
The proliferation of these technologies is prompting calls for greater scrutiny of arms deals and a more strategic approach to security on the African continent.”African nations have options. They can pause … arms deals until there are credible assurances of compliance with international law,” Kwata urged, advocating for increased oversight and a move towards “strategic autonomy.” “We build a more strategic autonomy, and we show that Africa can take a principled stand.”
Kwata emphasized that the continent’s future security may depend on leadership choices and a reduced reliance on imported arms, warning of the risk of being drawn into conflicts originating elsewhere.