A reported requirement by the United States that Kenya support Israel’s commercial and political interests or else risk jeopardizing its possible free trade agreement with the U.S., is not sitting well with some commentators in Africa, who see a double standard.

When China imposes similar conditions, particularly around its core interests in Xinjiang, Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, U.S. and Europeans stakeholders are often quick to criticize the Chinese, noted Lagos-based international affairs analyst Ovigewe Egegu. In his view, the U.S. is effectively doing the same thing to protect Israel.