Pretoria: South Africa continues to call for an urgent ceasefire and dialogue as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, warning that the conflict threatens global stability and humanitarian conditions. Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ronald Lamola said the worsening conflict has heightened anxiety across the region and beyond, while placing pressure on global food and energy systems.
According to South African Government News Agency, Lamola highlighted the destructive impact on civilian infrastructure, which has sparked inflationary pressures, energy insecurity, and food shortages, partly due to disruptions in fertilizer supply in the agriculture sector. South Africa reiterated its condemnation of actions that violate international law, cautioning that the escalation risks undermining global multilateral institutions.
Lamola emphasized the importance of the United Nations Security Council prioritizing humanitarian concerns over geopolitical interests in responding to the crisis. He pointed out that this is a crucial moment for multilateralism, with implications that extend to Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lamola also noted his communication with counterparts in the Gulf region, who share concerns about the conflict's escalation and potential consequences.
South Africa has consistently maintained that dialogue remains the only viable path toward a sustainable solution, asserting that no military intervention can deliver lasting peace. Lamola reaffirmed South Africa's readiness to support any process leading to a peaceful resolution and ceasefire, emphasizing the necessity of opening dialogue among all warring parties.
Regarding South Africans abroad, the department urged citizens in the Middle East to register with South African diplomatic missions to ensure their safety should conditions worsen. South Africans traveling for business, education, or leisure are also encouraged to register with the nearest embassy or consulate.
Minister Lamola advised citizens to download the DIRCO Travel Smart App to register travel details, provide next-of-kin information, and contact diplomatic missions if needed. The government further warned citizens to verify overseas job opportunities carefully, following reports of individuals being misled by fraudulent recruitment schemes in conflict-affected areas.
Clayson Monyela, the Head of Public Diplomacy at DIRCO, emphasized the importance of registration for South Africans in the region, particularly in Gulf states, to facilitate assistance if necessary. Monyela noted that the department has been helping citizens wishing to leave the region by facilitating evacuations through available commercial flights and arranging travel through land borders to access flights in neighboring countries. He confirmed that some South Africans have already returned home and that airspaces have partially reopened, allowing commercial airlines to operate again.
