Cape Town — South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, is optistic that peace can be achieved in the Middle East, the same way it was achieved in South Africa after Apartheid.
Ramaphosa is heading to a peace summit in Egypt in an effort to address the escalating conflict, emphasising the need for humanitarian assistance and resumption of peace talks.
“President Ramaphosa has been deeply concerned by attacks on civilians, the resulting enormous loss of life, displacement of people and the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the Gaza Strip,” the Presidency said.
The President was speaking at the sidlines of the Presidential Imbizo in the North West on Friday and he confirmed South Africa’s participation in the summit. He added that he was honoured that South African was recognised as a country to aid the current siutation.
We have been invited to participate in the Cairo Summit for Peace taking place tomorrow to discuss the ongoing conflict between #Israel and #Palestine. pic.twitter.com/q5KSZ3xJat
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 20, 2023
“It speaks to South Africa’s standing with regard to how we are perceived and the fact that some people and leaders think that we can make a contribution. We do believe that we can make a contribution. Our own history and what we have gone through—when we look at what is unfolding, there is a history and an experience that can be brought to bear in terms of trying to resolve those conflicts that seem intractable.
“Our own Struggle and conflict seemed intractable. Many people around the world thought that South Africa was going to descend into a terrible civil war and that we would be slaughtering each other. We found peace. We found a way to foster peace. That is the message we will be taking to that part of the world,” he said.
According to IOL, the Cabinet called for the International Criminal Court to probe war crimes in the conflict. Ramaphosa has, for the last two weeks, also indicated South Africa’s willingness to take part in peace efforts in the Middle East.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@PresidencyZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
