Zaire and Israel: An American Connection

Abstract

On May 14, 1982, after loudly rejecting a United States economic aid package, President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire announced his intention to become the first African head-of-state to re-establish diplomatic relations with Israel since their suspension in 1973. The resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries was greeted as a breakthrough by Israeli officials who have been attempting for nearly a decade to restore relations with Black Africa. Other more skeptical observers believe Mobutu's action to be an isolated case, citing Black Africa's dependence on Arab financial assistance as a major deterrent. Saudi Arabia's immediate response-rupturing its diplomatic ties with Zaire-seems to substantiate the latter skeptical view. Whether a trend has been initiated, however,