Security Cooperations and Human Rights Violations: The African Israeli Case

This article discusses the role of security connections in Israel–Africa relations and their implications to human rights. Surprisingly, the research on Israel-Africa security connections is quite limited, and the article addresses these gaps, arguing that: (1) Israel uses arms exports to strengthen its foreign relations in Africa, and (2) Israel’s economic and political interests, alongside African countries’ interests in regime survival and better access to Washington, override human security considerations. The article provides a critical discussion of the complex nature of Israel–Africa relations, raising questions regarding the quality of bilateral relations with dubious African regimes and their consequences regarding human rights.