By Simnikiwe Hlatshaneni
Johannesburg, South Africa – A coalition of African civil society organisations has formally petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), demanding it urgently refer Egypt to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for its alleged complicity in Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
The complaint, submitted this week, accuses Egypt of enabling a humanitarian catastrophe by maintaining the closure of the Rafah border crossing, the only access point between Gaza and the outside world not controlled by Israel. The submission argues that Egypt’s actions—whether in collaboration with Israel or independently—have contributed directly to what the complainants term “a genocide in progress” against the Palestinian people.
The six African complainants are:
● Palestine Solidarity Alliance (South Africa)
● CAGE International (South Africa)
● Zimbabwe Palestine Solidarity Council (Zimbabwe)
● Dreams Defender Organization (Tanzania)
● Kenya Na Palestine (Kenya)
● Kenyans for Palestine (Kenya)
These groups contend that Egypt violates its obligations under Articles 4 (Right to Life), 12 (Freedom of Movement), and 20 (Right to Self-Determination) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as customary international law.
“Whether in coordination with Israel, or of its own accord, Egypt has maintained and continues to maintain essentially a total closure of the Rafah border crossing,” reads the complaint. “This contributes to, or intentionally compounds, an enormous humanitarian crisis confronting a defenseless and vulnerable refugee population of almost two million people, half or more of whom are children.”
The coalition calls for the immediate and permanent opening of the Rafah crossing, specifically to allow for:
● The evacuation of critically ill or injured Palestinians;
● The entry of food, water, fuel, medical supplies, and reconstruction materials;
● Safe passage for humanitarian aid workers and the families of those trapped in Gaza.
They also demand that the African Commission:
● Formally refer the case to the African Court;
● Order the unrestricted opening of Rafah.
● Hold Egypt accountable for violations of humanitarian and human rights law.
The complaint is particularly noteworthy in light of Egypt’s recent decision to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). While Egypt’s support for the case initially drew praise, civil society groups now argue that its continued role in sealing off Rafah undermines its stated commitment to international law and opposition to genocide.
“Egypt’s actions are indefensible under the Charter and international law,” the complainants argue. “Immediate intervention is required to prevent further loss of life.”
Ceasefire Talks Ongoing in Cairo
The complaint comes amid renewed diplomatic activity in Cairo, where both Israeli and Hamas delegations are currently engaged in talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire. According to The Times of Israel reports, Egypt has assumed a central role in brokering the deal, reportedly putting forward a new ceasefire proposal.
A source familiar with the negotiations said that both Israel and the Trump administration encouraged Cairo to take over mediation efforts from Qatar, viewing Egypt as better positioned to exert pressure on Hamas. An Israeli team was reportedly in Cairo on Monday for discussions with Egyptian mediators.
Despite its role as host and mediator, Egypt’s simultaneous enforcement of the Gaza blockade has drawn criticism from humanitarian groups and international observers.
Broader Implications for African Solidarity and Human Rights
This formal complaint marks a significant escalation in efforts by African civil society to hold regional actors accountable in international forums. The move also highlights growing frustration across the continent with perceived double standards in the application of international law, especially regarding the rights of Palestinians.
The African Commission is now under pressure to act decisively. If it agrees with the petitioners and refers the case to the African Court, it could mark a historic moment in Africa’s engagement with international humanitarian justice, particularly on an issue that continues to stir deep public concern across the continent.
Pan African Visions will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.
