South Africa Records One Political Hit Every Two Weeks Ahead of National Elections – Chwayita Thobela, Gi-TOC
In the lead-up to South Africa’s national elections on May 29, an average of at least one politically motivated assassination occurred every two weeks between January and April 2024. This alarming trend is detailed in a new report, The Politics…
Despite Surge in Violence in Mozambique, $50B LNG Projects Likely to Proceed with Rwandan Troop Protection – Dr Joseph Hanlon
In recent months, violence by insurgents in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province has escalated, highlighted by an ambush on Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces near Macomia, which damaged vehicles but caused no casualties. As the SADC prepares to withdraw in July amid criticisms of its effectiveness, Rwandan and Tanzanian troops have been praised for securing certain areas. Mozambique specialist Dr. Joseph Hanlon believes the $20 billion LNG project by TotalEnergies and the $30 billion project by ExxonMobil will proceed, as these companies trust the Rwandan forces to protect the crucial offshore gas fields and infrastructure. Hanlon noted the effectiveness of the Rwandan and Tanzanian troops compared to the SADC forces, suggesting that the LNG investments will continue despite the insurgency.
Ukraine Seeks South African Assistance in Repatriating Abducted Children, and Soldiers from Russia
In June 2023, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa embarked on a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia, aiming to initiate negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. The delegation, which included the heads of state from Egypt, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Zambia,…
South Africa Demands Clarification from UK Foreign Office on Terror Alert
South African authorities have requested clarification from the UK Government following a change in the UK Foreign Office’s travel advice for South Africa, warning that “terrorists are very likely to attempt to carry out attacks in South Africa”.
South Africa Under Fresh US Scrutiny, Now Over Treatment of SA-Israeli Soldiers
Amid South Africa’s anticipation of a smoother relationship with the United States and the prospect of continuing market access through the new AGOA agreement, six US legislators have launched a new challenge. In a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, they warn of ‘consequences’ due to South Africa’s policy of arresting its citizens serving in the Israeli army.
Jacob Zuma’s MK is not a South African democratic political party, it is a Russian “hybrid warfare” platform
OP-ED by Andre Pienaar, Co-founder of the Directorate of Special Operations (the Scorpions). Up to a million Russian controlled social media accounts are active daily in supporting the election campaign of Jacob Zuma’s MK party, the new service Bloomberg has…
Shadow Defence Minister Kobus Marais Advocates for South Africa’s Continued Presence in Mozambique to Combat Cabo Del Gado Insurgents
In June 2024, the forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including South Africa, are set to withdraw from Mozambique. This country has been under the terror of Islamic insurgents, particularly in the northern Cabo Delgado province. The withdrawal…
“Nobody said two” – NSN Stands By Report on SANDF Soldiers in DRC
NSN notes the SANDF press statement of 3 April in response to NSN’s 2 April reporting on SANDF personnel being held in M23’s custody in the DRC. NSN is an independent publication that fact checks its reporting rigorously. NSN’s reporting…
South African President Ramaphosa Denies Taking Sides in Gaza War, As His Foreign Minister Accuses Israel of Defying ICJ ruling
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has refuted claims that South Africa is taking sides in the Gaza war and that relations with the United States have soured due to the International Court of Justice case against Israel. The South African…
Disinformation, governance and the South African election
By Phumzile van Damme – republished from ISS African Futures How can we safeguard South Africa’s hard-won free and fair elections in the age of disinformation online? Phumzile Van Damme weighs in. On 9 March 2024, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter…
