Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa
By OBAKENG MAJE
2 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa expresses deep concern regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Ramaphosa said these developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.
He further calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Ramaphosa added that Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion.
“Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation. Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that there can be no military solution to fundamentally political problems that can and should be resolved diplomatically.
“Military confrontation has never delivered sustainable peace, nor has it addressed the legitimate grievances that underlie conflict. Long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a genuine commitment to justice and coexistence,” he said.
Ramaphosa therefore, reiterates his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations. He urged the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution.
“As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said Ramaphosa.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress has shared the same sentiments. ANC said it expresses a deep concern at the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which threaten regional and global peace and security.
The ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the intensification of hostilities carries serious humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences. Bhengu said the ANC also conveys its sincere condolences to the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following reports of the passing of their Supreme Leader, extending sympathies to his family and to the Iranian nation during this period of mourning.
“Guided by South Africa’s principled foreign policy rooted in justice, peace and respect for international law, the ANC calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
“All actions must be consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only in response to an armed attack, and does not permit anticipatory self-defence based on assumption or conjecture,” she said.
Bhengu said the ANC reiterates that there can be no lasting military solution to fundamentally political conflicts. She said escalation deepens instability and suffering of innocent people, while durable peace can only be secured through inclusive dialogue, meaningful negotiations and a genuine commitment to coexistence.
“We therefore urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution.
“As a movement that led South Africa to freedom through dialogue and reconciliation, the ANC remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” said Bhengu.
The Guardian 