South Africa at a Crossroads: Confronting Sexual Violence and Regional Instability

As we mark the sombre 07 October 2023 anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which claimed over 1,200 lives and left countless victims of sexual violence, we are reminded that conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) remains a devastating weapon of war globally. This grim milestone should prompt introspection, particularly for South Africa, as our nation finds itself at a critical juncture in its foreign policy and regional security stance.

This weekend, at the inaugural Annual Peace and Security Dialogue hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, delivered the keynote address in which he highlighted that “the threat of terrorism and violent extremism is one of the most pressing peace and security challenges that the Continent is dealing with as it has spread to more regions of the Continent, including Southern Africa.”

He stressed the importance of diplomatic solutions to conflicts, the need for inclusive dialogue, and South Africa's role in promoting stability in the region. Lamola highlighted South Africa's contributions to peacekeeping missions and mediation efforts in various African countries, asserting the nation's position as a leader in fostering continental harmony.

However, these comments stand in stark contradiction to the South African government's recent actions and policies. This year several events unfolded in our country that demonstrate the very apparent disconnect between the government's words and deeds.

South Africa's decision to support Hamas at the International Court of Justice, despite overwhelming evidence of the group's use of sexual violence as a weapon, is deeply troubling. This support not only undermines our moral standing but also raises alarming questions about our commitment to combating sexual violence in conflict zones, especially within our region.

For decades, Africa has borne the brunt of CRSV, a crisis of immense proportions that has received far too little attention or concerted effort to address it. From the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Sudan, from Nigeria to the Central African Republic and Mozambique, countless civilians bear the savage scars of this heinous tactic.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the pervasiveness of CRSV in Africa. Recent reports leave no doubt that rape and sexual violence perpetrated by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are widespread and systematic. In its latest report, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has said “rape is being used as a weapon of war.” This assessment is further supported by testimonies from survivors like Fatima, who told the BBC, "During the war, since the RSF arrived, immediately we started hearing of rapes until we saw it right in front of us in our neighbours."

Against this backdrop, South Africa's recent actions paint a concerning picture. In January, our government hosted RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Pretoria, effectively lending legitimacy to a group accused of widespread human rights abuses. This meeting, coupled with our stance on Hamas, suggests a disturbing pattern of alignment with actors implicated in grave violations of human rights.

Moreover, recent events within our borders have cast a harsh light on South Africa's role in the broader African security landscape. The discovery of a suspected secret military training camp for Libyan nationals in Mpumalanga raises questions about our territory being used as a staging ground for potential militant activities elsewhere on the continent. This not only threatens to entangle South Africa in complex geopolitical issues but also risks indirectly contributing to environments where CRSV and other human rights abuses flourish.

Equally concerning are reports from Mamelodi, where residents allege extortion by a gang claiming association with Boko Haram, the notorious terrorist group known for its widespread use of sexual violence. While likely a case of local criminals co-opting a feared name, this development represents a dangerous normalisation of terror tactics and threatens to import the trauma associated with groups known for perpetrating CRSV into our communities.

Adding to these concerns, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has upgraded South Africa's risk of being used as a hub for terrorist financing from moderate to high. This development comes as the Islamic State makes inroads into southern Africa, presenting a grave threat not only to our national security but to the stability of the entire region.

Dr. Hussein Solomon, writing for The Conversation, warns that "South Africa has been at the core of global terrorist financing for more than two decades." This should serve as a wake-up call. We can no longer afford to ignore these long-standing vulnerabilities in our financial and security systems.

These developments force us to confront uncomfortable questions about South Africa's role in the broader African context. As a regional powerhouse and self-styled leader in peacekeeping efforts, we have long positioned ourselves as champions of stability and human rights across the continent. However, recent events starkly contrast this position.

The implications extend far beyond immediate security concerns. South Africa's reputation as a leader in promoting peace and human rights is at stake. How can we credibly advocate for an end to CRSV and other human rights abuses when our territory may be serving as a training ground or financial hub for groups involved in these very acts?

This issue demands immediate and decisive action by our government. South African authorities must redouble their efforts to investigate and shut down any militant group operating within our borders. We must strengthen our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, heeding the FIC's warning with enhanced monitoring of financial flows and closer cooperation with international partners.

Perhaps most importantly, South Africa needs to recommit to its role as a force for peace and stability in Africa and beyond. This means addressing the immediate security concerns within our borders and taking a firmer stance against groups that use rape and sexual violence as weapons of war, regardless of political considerations.

Our nation stands at a crossroads. The choices we make now will determine whether we become part of the solution or continue to be part of the problem in the fight against conflict-related sexual violence and regional instability. It's time for South Africa to live up to its ideals and take concrete steps to address these pressing issues within our borders and across the African continent.

Angie Richardson for Women’s Action Campaign SA (WACSA)