The South African Minister of Foreign Affairs said, “We continue to support efforts to find a political solution in the DRC.”
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed his concerns on Wednesday about the ongoing war in Gaza, the conflicts in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the violent post-election protests in Mozambique.
Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria, where he was joined by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Lamola said, “The security challenges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique continue to be a concerning issue… The people of Sudan are shaken by the wounds of a devastating conflict.”
He noted that in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, many civilians, particularly women and children, have been displaced due to the ongoing conflicts.
“We continue to support efforts to find a political solution,” he added.
Similarly, Lamola emphasized the need for calm and moderation following the violent protests in Mozambique after the elections.
He stated that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is unlike anything the world has seen before. “We continue to call for all parties to await the outcomes of the Mozambican Constitutional Council. This body is authorized by the Mozambique Constitution to resolve election disputes.”
Middle East Situation
Lamola also noted that the situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly fragile and volatile. He quoted the latest report from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, who highlighted that the Israeli leadership’s promise to destroy Gaza last year has been fulfilled.
He cited Mofokeng’s statement, “The Gaza Strip has now turned into a barren wasteland filled with rubble and human remains.” The report indicated that survivors are struggling to survive, with bodies decaying among the ruins of clinics and hospitals.
“What we are witnessing may go beyond genocide,” Lamola said.