Since the 1988 Palestinian Declaration of Independence, international recognition of the State of Palestine has steadily increased. Today, more than 140 countries have extended diplomatic recognition, with momentum growing in Europe and other regions as global opinion shifts in favor of a two-state solution.
Among the strongest and earliest backers of Palestinian statehood is Africa. From the very beginning, African nations have shown overwhelming support, rooted in shared experiences of colonialism, self-determination, and solidarity with oppressed peoples. As the diplomatic landscape continues to shift in 2025, African countries remain a critical bloc in the global recognition of Palestine.
Why Recognition Matters
Recognition of a state is a formal acknowledgment of its sovereignty, its right to self-govern, and its legitimacy in the global community. For Palestine, recognition provides:
- Diplomatic legitimacy to participate in international organizations and treaties.
- Legal footing in pursuing rights and claims under international law.
- Moral and political support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for independence.
- Pressure on the international community to seek just and peaceful solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Africa’s Historic Support for Palestine
Africa’s relationship with the Palestinian cause dates back to the era of anti-colonial movements. Many African leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, explicitly linked the Palestinian struggle to their own histories of resistance. Since the 1988 declaration, nearly all African countries have recognized Palestine, often doing so before many in the West.
Palestinian leaders have regularly engaged with the African Union (AU), and the AU has, in turn, reaffirmed the right of Palestinians to self-determination and independence in line with international law. African support has also been essential in votes at the UN General Assembly, UNESCO, and other global bodies.
Countries Recognizing Palestine as a State (as of 2025)
Grouped by region, these countries have officially recognized the State of Palestine.
Africa (All have recognized except a few):
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Asia & Middle East:
- Afghanistan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- North Korea
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Turkey
- UAE
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Europe:
- Albania
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Malta
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Ukraine
- Vatican City
Americas & Caribbean:
- Argentina
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Oceania:
- Papua New Guinea
- Vanuatu
- East Timor
Countries That Have Not Recognized Palestine
Africa:
- No major African countries are officially opposed to recognition. A few, such as Eritrea, have no clear position or formal diplomatic relations.
Asia-Pacific:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
Europe:
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Hungary
- Czech Republic (partial support)
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Greece
Americas:
- United States
Oceania:
- Micronesia
- Palau
- Marshall Islands
Countries Yet to Recognize but Expected in 2025
Several Western countries have announced or are actively considering recognition in 2025.
Europe:
- France (scheduled for September 2025)
- United Kingdom (announced for 2025)
- Malta (pending)
- Portugal (pending)
- Finland (aligned with EU discussions)
- Luxembourg
- Andorra
- San Marino
Oceania:
- Australia (pending for September 2025)
- New Zealand (debating internally)
Americas:
- Canada (expected by late 2025)
The international community is moving decisively toward recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. African nations have long stood on the front lines of this movement, offering early and unwavering support. As more countries join this cause in 2025, the dream of full Palestinian statehood becomes closer to reality.
Africa’s role serves as a reminder that solidarity and historical experience can shape global diplomacy, and that justice, though delayed, is still pursued by those who have long known the price of freedom.
