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.