Already present, particularly in the area of security, but until now little visible, the Israelis are now publicly displaying their African ambitions. Israel is looking for diplomatic support on the continent, but also for new markets.
By Dounia Ben Mohamed
Tanks and armored vehicles, drones, machine guns, bulletproof vests and other military equipment are displayed on the stands of Shield Africa, the African security forum, which was held last January in Abidjan. Among the exhibitors, French and European companies, American, South African, or even Turkish. But also, many Israelis came. In their catalog, beyond the technical equipment, turnkey high-tech solutions to centralize all available data (official information, social networks and others) on a group of targeted people, or even all the inhabitants of a city, even an entire country … « This allows to anticipate terrorist threats, » said the company’s salesman. To keep an eye on the opposition, civil society activists and other possible sources of contestation at the same time, with tools that the development of new technologies allows, and while taking advantage of the legal vacuum of the legislation with regard to these practices little in agreement with individual freedoms.
« In the field of cyber security, they are the strongest!«
And it is clear that the Israeli expertise in cybersecurity seduces on a continent plagued by new forms of threats (terrorism, maritime piracy, cybercrime, etc..) Thus, in front of the stands of Israeli companies, representatives of the armed forces and public officials of the various African delegations present. « It is certain that in the field of cybersecurity, they are the strongest! » said a member of the Ivorian army, who did not want to say whether his country, like others increasingly numerous on the continent, called on Israeli expertise in security. This is confirmed by Ram Ben Barak, a former member of Mossad, now a specialist in security issues. « Given its significant security challenges, the State of Israel has managed to develop some of the most advanced intelligence, technological and military capabilities in the world. I believe that many of the challenges facing the development of African countries today, the State of Israel has addressed in the past and continues to address, including border defense, maritime security, cyber security, intelligence, etc. There is no reason why we should not share these capabilities with Africa. That was the objective of my participation in the conference. »
In fact, long reserved for the field of underground diplomacy, the Israeli will to strengthen its presence in Africa is now clearly displayed. Including by its highest officials. Thus, in January 2018, the Israeli Prime Minister went to Chad, for a visit announced as historic. In many ways, it will be. A visit that will begin with a meeting at the palace with Idriss Deby Itno_ who previously visited Israel in November 2018-_ where Benjamin Netanyahu will not hide his intentions: calling his presence « a historic breakthrough in a very large Muslim country with borders with Libya and Sudan, » it aims to « renew » diplomatic relations with Chad, which had been broken by the latter in 1972. « This visit is part of the revolution we are leading in the Arab and Muslim world that I promised to accomplish, » he told the local press. A tour in which Africa has a « strategic » place.
Relations interrupted by African states, willingly or under pressure from Arab countries
Although relations between Israel and Africa are historic, Togo was among the first states to recognize the State of Israel at its creation. In fact, during the Israeli-Arab wars of 1967 and 1973, these relations were subject to dissension, which resulted in the severance of diplomatic ties at the request of a number of African countries. Either willingly (like South Africa, which supports the Palestinian cause, whose fate is compared to that of the South Africans under apartheid) or under pressure from the Arab states…. Also, if until recently, when voting on resolutions sanctioning Israel at the UN, African states were unfailingly supportive of the Palestinian cause, now it seems that the wind has changed. Togo, a faithful ally, did not hesitate to vote against, while others abstained. Meanwhile, cooperation agreements have been signed in the areas of security to technology, but also agriculture, where Israel has some know-how in the development of agricultural activities in arid areas, with expertise to promote on the continent.
The relationship between the African continent in general and many countries in particular and the State of Israel is a long-standing relationship, » said Ram Ben Barka. The State of Israel has greatly assisted the development of many African countries in the areas of infrastructure, water, agriculture, including security and intelligence. Many Israeli companies are involved in various fields and activities in Africa. The relations between the countries are at all levels: cooperation between countries, G2G agreements, cooperation between private and public companies, governments and public G2B organizations, as well as a fruitful cooperation between businessmen, which tends to grow. The essential part of the cooperation is the transfer of know-how – the sale of knowledge to strengthen the capacities of African countries and the sale of equipment and technology ». The expert added: « Israel is willing and able to give much more to improve the economy and the quality of life of African citizens. I think it would be interesting for delegations from African countries to visit Israel, to assess its capabilities, its beauty, get to know its citizens and make new friends. »
« If Saudi Arabia is doing business in Israel, I don’t see why we should be denied! »
A process already underway. If the Israel-Africa summit in Lomé gave way under pressure from the Togolese opposition and several neighboring states, African delegations no longer hesitate to make the trip. If Saudi Arabia is doing business in Israel, I don’t see why we shouldn’t! » says an Ivorian businessman who is associated with an Israeli company but who wishes to remain anonymous. The Arabs have wrongly taken the support of the Africans for granted. They have had little or no diplomatic relationship with the Africans, as was the case during the independence and non-aligned era. While Israel, for its part, has never stopped trying to establish partnerships, find relays, play the cooperation card and today the business card, » analyses a French diplomat.
« They are ahead of us on issues that are the same as those we face in Africa. We have a lot to learn from them. »
Cécile Barry, a Franco-Guinean entrepreneur and president of Ajice, did not hesitate to go there, to « see how this country has become the world leader in technology. » She explains: « A country with such a capacity for innovation, 3.5% growth, which is more than many European and Western countries, I wanted to see how they manage. After a first experience, she went back, alone, « to go deeper ». « It’s a country that is very forward-looking. They are ahead of us on issues that are the same as those we face in Africa. We have a lot to learn from them. A rapprochement that is already taking place. I met Senegalese in Israel who came to do business. And we can see that African states are starting to take an interest in Israel. In any case, things have changed. Whether it’s the French, the Chinese, or others, Africa is developing a much more pragmatic and less ideological approach.
On the training side in particular, says Aminata Kaba, president of the organizing committee of the Digital Week, an annual event held in Conakry. During the last edition, last June, she invited Israeli companies for capacity building sessions in the field of cybersecurity, and more broadly technologies. « They are the world leaders, it is in our interest to learn from them. And that means immersions in Israel. When we talk about technological revolution, the question of human resources is fundamental. Guineans, like Africans in the broadest sense, must upgrade their skills. And in this sense, the partnership that Israel offers us is interesting. On the sidelines of his event, exchanges between Israeli companies and the Guinean Ministry of Technology took place. « Guinea has several projects underway in the sector, including the establishment of a data center. There are in this sense several areas of possible partnership with the Israelis.
Thus, in an Africa that is increasingly open to competition, the Israelis are partners like the Chinese, French, Turks and other economic players with whom we must now count. Netanyahu will have said it very clearly: « Africa interests us! Which is apparently reciprocal.
