South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, has issued a stark warning that the escalating Middle East conflict is not a contained crisis—but a direct economic shockwave hitting African fuel pumps and food security. In an exclusive interview during his first official visit to Berlin, Lamola called for immediate restraint and a negotiated peace, while accusing all major parties of violating international law.
A Violation on the Eve of Peace
Lamola sharply criticized the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory strikes. He argued that all sides have breached the UN Charter, noting specifically that strikes occurred just as a potential agreement in Geneva was within reach, and that retaliatory acts targeted parties with no evident involvement in the original conflict.
The Ripple Effect: From Fuel to Fertilizer
The minister stressed that Africa is paying the price for a distant war. “The globe is interconnected,” he said. With key maritime routes disrupted, fuel prices are skyrocketing across the continent. At the same time, fertilizers—critical for the current plowing season—are becoming more expensive as shipments transit volatile zones. The result, Lamola warned, is a looming threat to food security, compounded by rising inflation and a higher cost of living that is reshaping daily life and economic stability.
South Africa’s Call to Action
Against this backdrop, Pretoria is demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities, restraint, and a trusted, inclusive negotiation process. Lamola reaffirmed that South Africa’s positions are anchored in international law—not political alliances. He noted that joint naval exercises with Iran, conducted off South Africa’s coast in January, are not exceptional; similar drills occur with many nations, including Germany. Such matters, he added, remain under presidential commission review where appropriate.
Nuclear Consistency: A Voluntary Example
Reiterating South Africa’s long-standing stance, Lamola reminded that his country voluntarily dismantled its nuclear weapons program and now uses nuclear technology solely for civilian purposes—energy and cancer treatment. He called for a nuclear-weapon-free world and uniform application of IAEA regulations to all nations with nuclear programs, including Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The ICJ Case: Shifting Global Consciousness
On South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Lamola said the action has already shifted international consciousness and public opinion. Following the court’s provisional findings of plausible genocide, protests erupted worldwide, and a growing number of countries have joined the case. He noted subsequent diplomatic efforts—including conferences on a two-state solution hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, with participation from countries like Germany. While acknowledging that the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon has worsened, Lamola argued that earlier collective action could have limited the rise in casualties.
‘Selective Application’? Lamola Rejects Ukraine Comparison
Responding to criticism that South Africa applies international law selectively—especially comparing Gaza to Ukraine—Lamola dismissed the claim as unfounded. He pointed to the early Africa initiative, where President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African leaders engaged both President Zelensky and President Putin to promote dialogue. Those efforts opened channels on issues like the return of children and food security (e.g., fertilizers). South Africa has also consistently supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity at the UN General Assembly. Lamola noted that even Europe now recognizes there is no military solution, and engagement is necessary.
Germany: A Respectful Partner, Unlike the Trump Administration
Lamola praised Germany for respecting South Africa’s independent foreign policy, noting shared values in the free world, an independent judiciary, and the rule of law. The two nations are marking 30 years of their Binational Commission (BNC), established under Nelson Mandela, with ongoing cooperation in green technologies, minerals, and a €200 million German concessional climate loan for South Africa’s power grid and renewable energy.
In contrast, he described tensions with the Trump administration as rooted in attempts to impose views on South Africa regarding the ICJ case and unfounded claims of “genocide” against white Afrikaners—a narrative he labeled “fake news.” Despite strains, including South Africa’s exclusion from some G20 engagements, Lamola affirmed that the U.S. remains a strategic partner and second-largest trading partner, with American tourism hitting record levels in 2025.
On health funding, following U.S. withdrawal of some HIV/AIDS program support, Lamola clarified that South Africa already funds about 80% of its ARV and related medication costs domestically—operating the world’s largest such program—and is working with partners to mitigate the remaining impact.
Non-Alignment Defended: Bandung Principles Intact
Defending South Africa’s non-aligned stance, Lamola said the country conducts joint military exercises with a wide range of nations—including the U.S., UK, and Germany—and has not supplied arms to any party in conflict. BRICS, he said, serves as a key developmental partnership for the Global South, enabling coordinated voices in the G20 and UN, and providing equitable financing through the New Development Bank, avoiding the higher capital costs African countries often face.
Domestic Critics: ‘Cynical and Not Based on Facts’
Responding to critics who say the government prioritizes foreign issues like Gaza over poverty, unemployment, and crime, Lamola called the view “cynical.” He noted that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s budget is only about 7 billion rand—less than 1% of the total national budget exceeding one trillion rand—which primarily funds education, healthcare, policing, and social welfare. Economic growth, reforms under Operation Vulindlela, the end of load-shedding for nearly a year, and efforts to attract foreign direct investment (including from German companies) are aimed at tackling inequality and joblessness. He added that the Middle East conflict has, however, contributed to a downward revision of South Africa’s growth forecast by the IMF.
Bottom Line
Lamola’s remarks underscore a clear message from Pretoria: In an interconnected world, no conflict is remote. South Africa is doubling down on multilateralism, international law, and pragmatic partnerships—even as global tensions rise.