Image Source: TimesLive
South Africa – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has voiced serious concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly the military strikes by Israel on Palestine and Lebanon, as well as Iran’s response on October 1.
In its official statement, South Africa urged all parties to exercise “utmost restraint” to prevent further destabilisation in the region. The country also highlighted the devastating toll the ongoing conflict is taking on the region’s most vulnerable, emphasising the need for immediate de-escalation as the crisis deepens.
“South Africa reiterates the concern expressed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, that he was “alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation,” and “…that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”
The statement also emphasised the enduring issue of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, which South Africa and other nations view as a violation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood. The government believes this issue remains key to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
“South Africa calls on the international community and the United Nations Security Council, in particular, to address the spiralling conflict.”
SMread| Push for ‘Revolutionary Precinct’ In Joburg
Widespread Condemnation of UN Secretary General Persona Non-Grata
Additionally, the South African government voiced its disappointment over Israel’s recent decision to declare United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata, accusing him of not strongly condemning Iran’s missile attack.
This move has drawn widespread criticism, as it weakens the UN’s authority and creates a troubling precedent in which countries can disregard UN leadership if it doesn’t suit their interests.
In a post on X, the UN Chief stated, “I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.”
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri strongly criticised the decision to ban Guterres from Israel, describing it as “an affront to international law” and a dangerous precedent for global governance and security. He emphasised the significance of multilateralism and raised concerns about the potential global impact if other nations were to disregard key international figures similarly.
“Try and imagine what would happen if it was any other state, a small state maybe even on the African continent, that decided the Secretary-General of the United Nations is persona non grata for condemning actions that really go against the grain and spirit of the United Nations Charter and all aspects of international law. Then someone decides, no, the Secretary-General of the United Nations is persona non grata. It’s really the highest level of assault, over and above.”
South Africa has since called for urgent reforms to global institutions like the UN, with a particular focus on the Security Council. Phiri contends that the “paralysis” of these international bodies enables powerful nations to act without accountability, often disregarding both international law and human rights.
He further suggested that this imbalance in global governance undermines trust in these institutions and fosters a dangerous climate where violations are left unchecked and unaddressed.
“For the same reason that we continue to call for the reform of an institution like the United Nations, and even the Security Council itself, because clearly, if it’s paralysed to this effect, where states can act with impunity and international law is sacrificed at the altar of—not even international law—human lives are sacrificed at the altar of egos and so on, it then really creates a scenario where we will not have a basis to continue with that multilateral system. We believe that this is something that needs to change.”