London, Dec. 22, 2017 (AltAfrika)-Togo on Thursday went against the African Union position and voted with the United States in Washington’s resolution to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel just as many others abstained from voting

Out of the 35 countries that chose to abstain, there were a number of African countries including Rwanda, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Malawi, South Sudan and Uganda.

Togo’s position comes as a surprise to many political watchers given that the African Union had put out a position that others like Ethiopia (a current member of the Security Council) had openly said they were backing.

Ahead of the vote, the United States had issued a threat to countries that it was going to take note of all those who voted against their move. Botswana is the only African country so far to have officially responded calling the U.S. bluff.

What’s the position of African union

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, notes with deep concern the decision of the United States Government, announced today, to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel.

“He regrets this decision, which will only increase tensions in the region and beyond and further complicate the search for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the solidarity of the African Union with the Palestinian people and its support to their legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign State with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“In this context, he calls for renewed international efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict, based on the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security, within the framework of relevant African Union and United Nations pronouncements.”

In spite of Togo’s betrayal, 128 other countries voted in favour of the motion rejecting the U.S. move

Additional report from Africanews