South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile asserts a need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemning civilian casualties and reinforcing support for a two-state solution. He speaks on the legal measures taken against Israeli leadership for war crimes and emphasizes the importance of negotiations in conflict resolution, drawing from South Africa’s historical context. Furthermore, he discusses fostering investment in Africa during a visit to Japan and positions Africa’s development as a priority in G20 discussions.
In a recent address at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, condemning the killing of innocent civilians. He emphasized that South Africa has a longstanding commitment to supporting Palestine and has advocated for a two-state solution that allows both nations to coexist peacefully.
Mashatile highlighted South Africa’s legal efforts against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which resulted in an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relating to genocide charges. He asserted, “The killing of children, innocent children and women in Gaza is something that should not be tolerated.” These efforts reflect South Africa’s desire to safeguard human lives and foster meaningful dialogue toward peace.
Further emphasizing South Africa’s non-aligned stance, Mashatile articulated his country’s commitment to peaceful resolutions across global conflicts including the situation in Ukraine. He stated, “We are not taking sides in Ukraine,” countering accusations of bias. He expressed hope that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky’s forthcoming visit to South Africa will aid the peace process.
Recalling South Africa’s transition from apartheid, Mashatile invoked the legacy of Nelson Mandela, stressing the importance of negotiations in resolving conflicts. He noted, “When we resolved our challenges in South Africa under apartheid… we managed to agree on a peaceful resolution of our conflict.”
Mashatile also discussed his discussions with the Japanese government regarding efforts to enhance investment in Africa, underlining the role of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in this initiative. He stated, “Our intention during this presidency is placing Africa’s development at the top of the agenda,” aiming to ensure that G20 discussions prioritize the needs and aspirations of African developing countries.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s statements reflect South Africa’s strong advocacy for peace and justice, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict. His commitment to supporting a two-state solution and addressing human rights violations underscores South Africa’s diplomatic efforts. Additionally, Mashatile’s emphasis on negotiation as a conflict resolution method mirrors the country’s historical struggles, while his engagements with Japan signal a focus on enhancing Africa’s economic landscape within international frameworks such as the G20.
Original Source: www.arabnews.jp
