Latest news with #ChrispinPhiri
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Hague group announce steps to hold Israel accountable in Bogota summit
They met to coordinate diplomatic and legal action to counter what they describe as "a climate of impunity" enabled by Israel and its powerful allies. State representatives attending The Hague Group summit gather for a group photo at the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bogota, Colombia, on 16 July 2025. Picture: X/Getting real A coalition of 30 countries from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas has agreed to a series of unprecedented measures aimed at halting what they described as an ongoing genocide in Gaza and reasserting the primacy of international law. The announcement came as part of an 'emergency summit' in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, co-hosted by the governments of Colombia and South Africa as co-chairs of The Hague Group. Genocide They met to coordinate diplomatic and legal action to counter what they describe as 'a climate of impunity' enabled by Israel and its powerful allies. Many of the participating nations have described the violence as genocide against the Palestinians. In the most ambitious multilateral action since the start of the Gaza genocide 21 months ago, the coalition of cross-regional states agreed to six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures to restrain Israel's assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and defend international law at large. Resolution That resolution called on all states to take effective action on Israel's violations of international law — including accountability, sanctions, and cessation of support — within one year of adoption. 'What we have achieved here is a collective affirmation that no state is above the law,' said South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. 'The Hague Group was born to advance international law in an era of impunity. The measures adopted in Bogotá show that we are serious — and that coordinated state action is possible.' 'We saw 10 children killed while drinking water. There is no way to rationalize what we are seeing in Gaza.' South Africa's FM spox Chrispin Phiri labels crisis in the region a 'genocide' 'By the time the ICJ rules, there may be no Gaza left' — RT (@RT_com) July 16, 2025 ALSO READ: Dirco calls for global action to stop Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza [VIDEO] Measures On the second and final day of an emergency summit, the twelve participants—Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa—committed to the following measures: Preventing the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel Preventing the transit, docking, and servicing of ships at any port where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry the aforementioned items to Israel Preventing the transportation of such items aboard vessels flagged in participating nations; Launching an urgent review of all public contracts to prevent public institutions and funds from supporting Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine and entrenching its unlawful presence Complying with obligations to ensure accountability for the most serious Israeli crimes under international law Supporting universal jurisdiction mandates in national legal frameworks and judiciaries to ensure justice for victims of international crimes committed in Palestine. The future Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, executive secretary of The Hague Group, said the conference marked a turning point not just for Palestine, but for the future of the international system. 'For decades, states — particularly in the Global South — have borne the cost of a broken international system. In Bogotá, they came together to reclaim it — not with words, but with actions'. Israel's war More than 58 000 people have been killed since Israel launched the assault in October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israeli forces have also imposed several total blockades on the territory throughout the war, pushing Gaza's 2.3 million residents to the brink of starvation. ALSO READ: Israeli strikes kill children collecting water in Gaza
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa says BRICS is a push for reformed multi-lateralism, nothing more
South Africa's foreign ministry spokesperson said the BRICS group should be seen as a push for "reformed multi-lateralism, nothing more," after U.S. President Donald Trump accused BRICS of "anti-American policies" and threatened an extra 10% tariff on countries aligned with it. "BRICS's objectives are primarily about creating a more balanced and inclusive global order that better reflects the economic and political realities of the 21st century," South African foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told Reuters. (Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov; Editing by Alexander Winning)
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Dirco slams old travel advisory about terrorism in South Africa
The International Relations Department (Dirco) has slammed an old UK travel advisory warning British nationals about terrorism. The International Relations Department (Dirco) has slammed an old UK travel advisory warning British nationals about terrorism in South Africa, saying it is a 'classic example of disinformation'. Posts on X have revived the terror warning in South Africa, which was first issued in 2022 and again in April 2024. Why now? It is unclear why the warning has erupted again. 'The advisory on the British government website adds that: 'The main threat is from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh, and who may carry out 'lone actor' attacks. 'Attacks could be indiscriminate and could target public spaces and places visited by foreigners, such as: tourist sites, shopping centres, high-profile events or crowded places.' ALSO READ: US level 2 travel alert for SA 'nothing new', Presidency says Aged post International Relations Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told The Citizen that the warning is a regurgitation of a 2022 advisory post. 'It has come to our attention that a 2022 travel advisory concerning South Africa is currently being recycled and amplified by certain social media accounts. These accounts have a documented history of disseminating misleading information about our country. 'This tactic is a classic example of disinformation, where outdated or decontextualised information is deliberately presented as current to create a false narrative and cause undue concern. We urge the public and media to be highly critical of such content,' Phiri said. BREAKING: The UK has issued a "terror alert" for South Africa. Several ISIS terrorists are protected by the SA justice system. July 5, 2025 Verification Phiri has urged the public to verify information before amplifying it. 'To effectively counter these deliberate campaigns, we encourage everyone to always check the date of any information being shared. Is it recent and relevant? 'Verify the source's credibility. Does the account or platform have a track record of accuracy, or is it known for spreading biased or false information? Seek corroboration from official and reputable sources before accepting or sharing claims,' Phiri said. Seeing a 2022 travel advisory about South Africa being recycled by accounts known for disinformation. This is a classic tactic: taking old info and presenting it as current to mislead. Always #FactCheck: Check the date. Verify the source. Corroborate with official channels.… July 6, 2025 'SA vibrant' Phiri added that South Africa remains a 'vibrant, welcoming, and reputable destination for travellers'. 'These disinformation efforts aim to undermine our reputation and sow discord. We stand firm in our commitment to transparency and accurate information.' US warning Last month, the United States also issued a travel advisory for South Africa. The Presidency stated that it did not view the level 2 travel alert issued for South Africa by the US government as a matter of concern. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said it's standard practice for the US to issue travel advisories for countries worldwide. 'With respect to South Africa, the travel alert, just lists the kinds of crimes that most South Africans, if not all South Africans, fall victim to or crimes that confront us as a country. There is nothing new there in that regard,' Magwenya said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Malema should apologise for 'Kill the Boer' chant — Trump advisor
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
MTN Group downplays Iran strife
'As we understood from the Irancell management, all staff are safe at this stage' As the Iran-Israel conflict today enters its fifth day, with casualties reported on both sides, South Africa's global mobile telecommunications giant MTN has downplayed any impact the strife would have on its Irancell business links. MTN Irancell is a major Iranian telecommunications company and the largest mobile network operator in Iran – offering 2G, 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G services. The MTN Group holds a 49% stake and Kowsar Sign Paniz the remaining 51% in the joint venture. Asked about business concerns over the latest outbreak of the Iran-Israel conflict, MTN Group chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer Nompilo Morafo said: 'As we understood from the Irancell management, all staff are safe at this stage.' SA support in Iran limited The department of international relations and cooperation (Dirco) has urged all SA citizens currently in Iran to contact its embassy in Tehran, 'to ensure that they are registered and that their whereabouts are known'. Dirco said SA's support in Tehran was limited. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said it could be assumed that 'no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency and the South African government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty – depending on your location'. Phiri said the country expressed 'deep concern regarding the escalation of hostilities between the state of Israel and Islamic Republic of Iran'. 'We extend our deepest condolences to the people of both nations, suffering from the tragic loss of life,' he said. 'Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be considered legitimate targets. 'We reiterate our urgent call for de-escalation, restraint and full compliance with international law by all parties – to prevent further human suffering.' ALSO READ: Israel vs Iran: Why you may soon have to pay more for petrol in South Africa Part of US plan to take Middle East? Independent political expert Sandile Swana described the latest conflict as 'part of the longer-term strategy of the United States to take control of the Middle East'. 'All operations of the US in the Middle East are done through Israel, with the aim to make Israel the supreme power of the Middle East,' said Swana. 'This is to subjugate the traditional powers of Iraq and Iran – elevating Israel above those traditional powers in terms of human civilisation.' Labour federation Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said the real threat to world peace was 'US imperialism'. 'Saftu condemns the unprovoked Israeli attack on Iran – a reckless escalation threatening to plunge the Middle East and the world into a catastrophic war,' said Vavi. NOW READ: US warship reported heading toward Mideast as Iran, Israel fight
IOL News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Escalating Conflict: Israel and Iran's deadly confrontation continues
Smoke billows for the second day from the Shahran oil depot, northwest of Tehran, on June 16, 2025. Iran unleashed a barrage of missile strikes on Israeli cities early on June 16, after Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran, with both sides threatening further devastation. The longtime foes have fought a prolonged shadow war through proxies and covert operations, with Israel battling several Iran-backed groups in the region, including Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. Israel and Iran traded deadly fire for a fourth day, yesterday in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. The conflict is set to dominate the agenda at the G7 Leaders Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada this week as world leaders gather at the G7 meeting, with fears that the war could degenerate into a broader Middle East war. The South African government has expressed its 'deep concern' over the escalation of hostilities between the two warring nations. The UN was worried the battles were likely to 'compromise nuclear safety'. World leaders and allies of both nations were concerned that the clash could escalate into something far greater and asked for an easing of tensions. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 'We reiterate our urgent call for de-escalation, restraint, and full compliance with international law by all parties to prevent further human suffering,' he said. Phiri said South Africa was appealing to both nations to comply with international law. 'South Africa emphasises that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must never be considered legitimate targets.' Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said South Africa extended its condolences to people of both nations who have suffered casualties since the war erupted, resulting in the 'tragic loss of life". On Saturday, IOL reported that the government had expressed 'profound' concern regarding the attacks conducted by Israel on targets within Iran on Friday, including reported impacts on military areas, nuclear facilities, and civilian infrastructure. The day before, AFP reported that Iran called Israel's wave of strikes a declaration of war, while US President Donald Trump warned Tehran of "even more brutal" attacks if it does not make a deal on its nuclear programme. In a major campaign launched on Friday, Israeli fighter jets and drones struck nuclear and military sites in Iran, also hitting residential areas and fuel depots. Iran's health ministry said at least 224 people were killed and more than 1,200 wounded. Tehran has responded with barrages of missiles and drones that hit Israeli cities and towns, killing at least 24 people and wounding 592 others, according to the prime minister's office. Israel has also killed many top military commanders and atomic scientists in Iran as part of an offensive that officials said sought to end nuclear and missile threats from the Islamic republic. The Israeli military said that after a wave of strikes on yesterday, its forces had destroyed one third of Iran's surface-to-surface missile launchers. According to military spokesman Effie Defrin, "we have now achieved full air superiority over Tehran". That followed a wave of intense air raids across the country, from the western border with Iraq to the capital Tehran and as far east as Mashhad, where the airport was hit. In Tehran, early yesterday, Israel said it hit command centres belonging to the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Israeli army later issued an evacuation order for Tehran's northern District 3, stating in the coming hours it "will operate in the area, as it had in recent days throughout Tehran, to strike military infrastructure of the Iranian regime". Reza Sayyad, spokesman for the Iranian armed forces, said their targets in Israel included "sensitive and important" security sites as well as "the residences of military commanders and scientists". Sayyad, in a televised address, vowed a "devastating response" to the Israeli attacks, while the 'Revolutionary Guards' in a statement warned they would hit more "vital targets" in Israel "until its complete destruction". Residential areas in both countries have suffered, with Israel accusing Iran of deliberately targeting civilians. After deadly overnight missile fire, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that "the residents of Tehran will pay the price -- and soon". The conflict has rapidly escalated despite calls from world leaders to halt the attacks. China urged Iran and Israel to "immediately" take steps to reduce tensions and "prevent the region from falling into greater turmoil". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call yesterday that Ankara was ready to play a "facilitating role" to end the conflict. Speaking later to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Erdogan said the "lawless attitude" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government "poses a clear threat to the international system", adding that the Middle East "cannot tolerate a new war". Trump has urged the foes to "make a deal", but told reporters on Sunday that "sometimes they have to fight it out" first. Netanyahu has said the Israeli offensive aimed to thwart the "existential" threats posed by Iran's nuclear and missile programmes. The fierce bombing campaign began as Tehran and Washington were engaged in nuclear talks -- which have since been cancelled -- and after warnings from the UN nuclear watchdog over Iran's atomic activities. Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said there was "no indication of a physical attack" on an underground section of Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility, and that radiation levels outside the plant were "at normal levels". The IAEA previously said that a key, above-ground component of Iran's Natanz nuclear site was destroyed. Grossi told an extraordinary board meeting of the UN agency that "nuclear safety is being compromised" by the conflict.
