Uganda, April 19 -- Africa is steering clear of the debate on whether Israel should retaliate, de-escalate or if Iran was wrong or right in attacking Israel on Saturday last week.

Iran sent drones and missiles to Israel, marking the first direct attack on Tehran's old-time enemy, even though the two had targeted each other via proxies.

And while world leaders have either condemned or urged escalation, the African Union is keeping a pass.

European Union leaders were expected to discuss stepping up sanctions against Iran on Wednesday.

Sanctions are not supported by the AU in general. The bloc has always spoken about the need to lift sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, Cuba and other countries by the West.

The AU had also been swift in conde...