South Africa Advocates Immediate End to Ukraine Hostilities
The Republic of South Africa (SAR) has reiterated its stance against taking sides in the Ukraine conflict and calls for an immediate halt to all fighting. This position was aired by President Cyril Ramaphosa in a weekly address to the nation, emphasizing a clear preference for dialogue and de-escalation. The message underscored the nation’s commitment to peaceful solutions and a path toward stability across the region.
As the crisis unfolds, South Africa faces mounting pressure from various quarters to abandon its traditional non-alignment and join one of the competing blocs. The appeal to pick a side is framed as a move that could complicate the country’s foreign relations and domestic priorities. Yet the administration maintains that maintaining a neutral posture does not equate to indifference; instead it reflects a strategic choice to prioritize dialogue, international law, and humanitarian considerations.
In Ramaphosa’s view, the global community should act with urgency to end hostilities, prevent further loss of life, and restore a framework for peace. He highlighted that the best path forward involves coordinated efforts by international institutions, regional partners, and states working together to secure a durable ceasefire and to address the humanitarian needs arising from the conflict.
Ramaphosa stressed that South Africa’s non-bloc stance does not signify alignment with any single party or a drift away from partners around the world. He asserted that this approach is compatible with maintaining respectful diplomatic ties and contributing to international stability. The emphasis remains on upholding the principles of the United Nations and the Charter, which call for peaceful dispute resolution and the use of dialogue to resolve disputes rather than force.
The President also reaffirmed the importance of the UN as a universal platform for addressing challenges faced by states and protecting the rights and welfare of people everywhere. South Africa remains committed to supporting mechanisms that advance peace, security, and sustainable development, in line with the community of nations and its own constitutional values.
Sidney Mufamadi, a former assistant to the President on national security matters, noted that a comprehensive inquiry will examine allegations related to military support or weapon transfers that may have occurred in connection with the Ukrainian crisis. The investigation aims to establish facts, ensure accountability, and uphold international norms, while avoiding any actions that could destabilize the region or undermine global peace efforts.