By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
South Africa has put their hat in the ring in regards to mediating the war between Iran and Israel as Ramaphosa explained to the media at the Energy conference held in Cape Town.
“South Africa is always ready to play a contributing role, either in mediation or whatever. And if a gap opens or if we are asked, we always live up to our obligations” Ramaphosa told the media.
“If the opportunity were to open, we would like to say: there must be a ceasefire. Dialogue is always the best way of ending conflict and then ending the war. And we want this war to come to an end immediately.” Ramaphosa continued.
Meanwhile 18,000 South Africans remain stranded in the Middle East due to this ongoing conflict, as flights going in and out of the region have been banned. The Gulf nations shut down their airspaces and have cancelled more than 2,500 flights, 1,200 being delayed as people are stranded across UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have given confirmation that all South Africans abroad in that region have been accounted for; however evacuations will still prove to be difficult until corridors are safe to move through.
“We urge all citizens to note that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region. Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days” read a statement from DIRCO.
The department explained that certain airlines have continued to operate for citizens who are there for non-essential travel.
“South Africa takes this opportunity to reiterate its firm call on all parties to the conflict 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” said DIRCO
Emergency contact lines have been activated through South Africa’s diplomatic missions to assist citizens requiring consular support while they make arrangements to evacuate the region.