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Zaire and Israel: A Summary of Diplomatic Relations (1982-1983)

Core Content

The document outlines the diplomatic and military developments between Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Israel from 1962 to early 1983. It highlights the political shifts in Zaire's foreign policy and the reactions from other African and Arab states to Zaire's decision to reestablish diplomatic ties with Israel in 1982.

Key Events and Developments

• 1962: Zaire establishes diplomatic relations with Israel, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership.
• September 1963: President Mobutu receives paratrooper training in Israel, indicating early military cooperation.
• October 4, 1973: Mobutu announces the severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, citing the occupation of Egyptian territory by Israel. At the time, Israel had 32 diplomatic missions in Africa.
• May 14, 1982: Mobutu announces at a congress of the MPR that Zaire will resume diplomatic relations with Israel.
• May 15, 1982: Mobutu's special envoy, Nimyaidika Ngimbi, visits Israel to reinforce the resumption of relations.
• May 16, 1982: The envoy confirms that the new Zairian embassy will be located in Jerusalem, which is the capital of Israel.
• May 19, 1982: Zaire's embassy in Paris issues a statement clarifying that the decision to restore relations is based on the recognition of the Palestinian right to statehood and the PLO as its sole representative.
• May 21, 1982: The Israeli embassy in Kinshasa opens, with David Kimche as director general. Israeli military advisers begin retraining the Zairian presidential guard.
• July 19, 1982: Israel announces that Prime Minister Begin will visit Zaire in August, and Mobutu will visit Israel in September.
• December 1, 1982: Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir visits Zaire, accompanied by a large delegation, and signs cooperation agreements with Zaire's foreign minister.
• December 3, 1982: Israel agrees to sell arms worth $18 million to Zaire, which will be used to expand the presidential guard.
• January 6, 1983: An op-ed in The New York Times discusses Israel's global military involvement, particularly in the Third World, highlighting its role in supporting Western interests.
• January 17, 1983: Israeli Defense Minister Sharon arrives in Kinshasa with a 90-member delegation.
• January 19, 1983: A five-year military cooperation plan is announced, focusing on the restructuring of the Kamanyola Division and the expansion of Israeli military aid.
• January 20, 1983: A formal agreement on military cooperation is signed, with Israel becoming a key military adviser and supplier for Zaire.

Main Points and Views

• Zaire's Motivation: Zaire's decision to reestablish relations with Israel is framed as a sovereign choice, based on the return of occupied Egyptian territories and a desire for military and economic cooperation.
• Military Cooperation: Israeli military experts are involved in reorganizing Zaire's armed forces, particularly the presidential guard and the Kamanyola Division. Zaire seeks advanced equipment such as tanks, helicopters, and radar systems.
• Economic Aid and Loans: Israeli officials express willingness to provide military and technical aid, though the financial terms are unclear. Zaire is reportedly unable to afford Israeli loans at commercial rates.
• Diplomatic Reactions:
  • Arab States: Egypt, Libya, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia react negatively, severing ties with Zaire or expressing condemnation.
  • Algeria: The Algiers newspaper Ash-Sha'b criticizes Zaire's move as a betrayal of Arab-African solidarity.
  • Zaire's Defense: Zaire defends its decision as a matter of principle and sovereignty, and claims that other African countries are also considering similar actions.
• U.S. Relations: Zaire had previously rejected U.S. aid, citing corruption, and later sought Israeli assistance in place of American support.
• Israeli Perspective: Israeli officials and media emphasize the strategic and economic benefits of the relationship, while downplaying concerns about Zaire's political stance or potential regional influence.

Key Information

• Diplomatic Shift: Zaire's decision to reestablish relations with Israel was seen as a significant shift in African-Israeli diplomacy, with implications for regional alliances.
• Military Involvement: Israeli military aid and training are a central component of the new relationship, particularly in the context of Zaire's security concerns in Shaba Province.
• International Reactions: The move is widely criticized by Arab states and African liberation movements, seen as a betrayal of pan-African and pan-Arab solidarity.
• Zaire's Sovereignty Claim: Zaire asserts that its foreign policy decisions are based on national interests and that it is not bound by external pressures or alliances.
• Future Prospects: There is speculation that other African countries may follow Zaire's example, though no formal announcements are made at the time.

Conclusion

Zaire's reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Israel in 1982 represents a pivotal moment in African-Israeli relations. It is driven by a combination of military, economic, and strategic interests, and is met with strong criticism from Arab and African states. The move underscores the complex interplay of sovereignty, regional security, and international alliances in the context of Cold War geopolitics and the Middle East conflict.