Nigeria, Sept. 9 -- Israel has long sought to retake its position as an observer state at the African Union (AU). It had this status with the Organisation of African Unity until that continental body became the AU in 2002. AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has now opened the door to Israel again - and not everyone is welcoming his decision.

But how important is this issue for Africa and the AU, and does it suggest any significant changes in the continent's relations with Israel?

If its accreditation is not overturned, Israel will join a growing list of more than 90 external partners endorsed by the AU. It will have limited access to AU documents and sit as an observer when invited to meetings. Accredited non-African states a...