South Africa President warns of 'fightback campaigns' amid ICJ case
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Ramaphosa has warned against such attempts meant to derail the success of the lawsuit and obstruct the establishment of effective results and measures.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa listens in Johannesburg, South Africa, to the ruling from the top UN court, on Friday, Jan 26, 2024 (AP)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded an ANC Lekgotla meeting with a warning about the possible backlash the government and country could face following their ICJ case raised against "Israel".
On Tuesday, Ramaphosa warned of "systematic fightback campaigns" that could target South Africa to derail the success of the lawsuit and obstruct the establishment of effective results and measures in an address to the National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla.
Reflecting on the country's stance on the genocide in Gaza and the tensions in the Middle East, Ramaphosa said, “As we reflect on this matter we must be mindful that our success has exposed not only atrocities that have been carried out by the state of Israel, but it has also exposed the moral bankruptcy of those countries who, by their acts of omission and commission, are allowing genocide to take place in Gaza on their watch. We say this humbly, without pointing fingers."
Ramaphosa also speculated that fightback campaigns could target South Africa's anticipated elections. He said the ICJ case could trigger forces that would want to incite a regime change but still maintained that South Africa fulfilled its moral duty and what its values dictate.
He called for the support of the African National Congress (ANC), which would lead negotiations between Palestine and "Israel" after the nation was asked to mediate discussions that served to find resolutions that would end the genocide in Gaza.
South Africa and Palestine rise in glory
In his statement, Ramaphosa also gave tribute to those who have supported South Africa in the ICJ.
He affirmed that South Africa's support for the Palestinian people is held close to the ANC's principles, values, and struggle.
“The lekgotla came to a unanimous view that South Africa’s unwavering support and solidarity with the people of Palestine is consistent with [the] ANC-led alliance’s traditions and policy positions."
He addressed the South African masses that mobilized in solidarity with Palestine, Gaza, and their nation at the ICJ, as well as the South African legal team and the ministers who prepared all the documents needed to raise a well-constructed case against the Israeli occupation.
In unwavering waves of support, South Africa's Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, addressed the people in the Global South and called for their support.
Through Al Mayadeen, the Minister appealed to African and Middle Eastern countries and all the countries of the Global South to stand in solidarity with Palestine to follow up with the court case.
"We want civil society and governments across Africa, the Middle East, and the rest of the Southern countries, in particular, to ensure that we all stand together with the people of Palestine and ensure the collective pursuit of this case."
Read more: Palestinian Resistance groups comment on ICJ ruling, hail South Africa
