Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Donald Matthys
Published on 2024-03-20 17:00:00
President Nangolo Mbumba has criticized the United Nations (UN) Security Council for failing to take action in response to the escalating violence in Palestine. His comments reflect a growing international concern regarding the Israeli military’s actions in the region and the increasing number of civilian casualties.
During an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Monday, Mbumba expressed his disappointment in the lack of action from the UN Security Council in protecting weaker nations and their people. He condemned the support that some members of the Security Council have shown towards Israel, despite the atrocities being committed in Palestine.
The Israeli military’s actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 31,000 Palestinians since the war began on October 7th. The conflict was triggered by a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of at least 1,100 people. Mbumba emphasized the need for stronger nations to intervene and put an end to the ongoing violence.
In February, the United States vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The resolution, brought forward by Arab nations and supported by 13 other Security Council members, was blocked by the US, Israel’s key ally. The UK abstained from voting, but the resolution failed to pass due to the US veto.
Namibia has also called for a ceasefire in the region, with the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation urging Israel to halt its attacks on Palestine. The executive director, Penda Naanda, condemned the violence and called for respect for international humanitarian law. Namibia supports diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in accordance with UN resolutions and agreements.
Former president Hage Geingob also advocated for peace in the Middle East and criticized Germany for intervening on Israel’s behalf in a case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Geingob denounced the violence against Palestinians in Gaza and called for support from the international community to protect civilians and achieve lasting peace.
Overall, there is a growing consensus among African leaders, including President Mbumba and former president Geingob, that the international community must take decisive action to address the crisis in Palestine. The lack of progress in the UN Security Council and the ongoing violence demands urgent attention and diplomatic efforts to bring about lasting peace in the region.
Read the original article on The Namibian
