Pretoria – South Africa has renewed its call for an urgent ceasefire and dialogue as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, warning that the conflict threatens global stability and could worsen humanitarian conditions.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola made the remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Lamola said the intensifying conflict has created uncertainty across the region and beyond, with potential consequences for the global economy.
“The escalation of tension in the Middle East heralds great anxiety and uncertainty in the region, the continent and the world,” Lamola said.
He said the destruction of civilian infrastructure across the region has already begun to place strain on global food and energy systems. According to the minister, disruptions in fertiliser supply linked to the conflict are affecting the agriculture sector and could lead to rising inflation, energy insecurity and food shortages.
South Africa has also condemned actions that violate international law, warning that continued escalation could weaken global multilateral institutions.
Lamola said the United Nations Security Council must prioritise humanitarian concerns rather than geopolitical interests when responding to the crisis.
“The United Nations Security Council, now more than ever, is called upon to prioritise humanity over geopolitical preferences. This is an existential moment for multilateralism, which must reverberate in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
Lamola said he has been in contact with counterparts in Gulf states who are worried about the worsening situation and its potential regional impact.
“At this stage, there is no open discussion happening among the warring parties – the United States, Israel and Iran – which makes the likelihood of further escalation very real,” he said.
South Africa continues to maintain that dialogue remains the only realistic path toward a lasting resolution and that military action will not deliver sustainable peace.
“As South Africa, we have said that if called upon…we remain ready and available to support any process to a peaceful resolution and a ceasefire.
“We have continued to call for opening of a dialogue amongst all the warring parties towards a peaceful resolution, because we always believe that no military solution can be found in this situation that can be sustainable. It is through dialogue that a sustainable solution can be concluded,” Lamola said.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has also urged South Africans currently in the Middle East to ensure they are registered with the country’s diplomatic missions so authorities know their whereabouts should the security situation deteriorate.
Citizens travelling abroad for business, education or leisure have been encouraged to register with the nearest South African embassy or consulate.
Lamola said travellers should download the DIRCO Travel Smart App to register travel details, provide next of kin information and contact diplomatic missions in case of distress.
Government has also warned citizens to carefully verify overseas job offers following reports that some individuals have been misled by fraudulent recruitment schemes and ended up in conflict affected areas.
Head of Public Diplomacy at DIRCO Clayson Monyela said officials have been urging South Africans in the region, particularly those in Gulf states, to register their details with embassies so assistance can be provided if necessary.
“We’ve been making a call for South Africans, firstly, to register with us so that we know who is there and what type of help they need,” Monyela said.
He said the department has assisted citizens who wanted to leave the region by helping them secure seats on commercial flights.
“In the first couple of days when the attacks were happening, the airspaces were closed in all of these countries, so it was impossible to move in or out. But in the last couple of days, airspaces have partially reopened and commercial airlines are beginning to operate again,” he said.
Some South Africans have already used these flights to return home.
Monyela said authorities also assisted citizens to cross land borders into neighbouring countries where flights were available when direct departures were not possible.
“We’ve been moving other people through land borders to cross into countries where flights are available, and South Africans have been coming home,” he said.
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