Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Peter Fabricius
Published on 2024-04-18 22:44:01
The controversy surrounding a travel warning issued by Britain to its citizens regarding the likelihood of terrorist attacks in South Africa has sparked outrage from the South African government. The advisory, posted on the website of the British High Commission in Pretoria, specifically highlights the threat of attacks by individuals inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh, targeting public spaces frequented by foreigners.
Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), expressed frustration over the lack of evidence or explanation for the warning. He called for credible information to support the claims but received no satisfactory response. The UK, on the other hand, maintains that the advisory has been in place since 2022 and is part of its ongoing efforts to provide safety guidance to British nationals traveling abroad.
The UK’s travel advisory encompasses various issues, including crime and power cuts, with the most recent update on terrorist groups added in December 2023. This update coincided with heightened tensions in the Middle East, leading to concerns about potential terrorist activities worldwide. The advisory cautions against indiscriminate attacks in public places, tourist sites, shopping centers, and high-profile events.
In response to the controversy, experts like Jasmine Opperman emphasize the legal obligation of foreign governments to warn their citizens about potential threats to safeguard against any repercussions in the event of an attack. While concerns over lone wolf attacks and extremist recruitment exist in South Africa, the likelihood of a major organized attack is deemed low. Various factors, such as South Africa’s foreign policy positions and deployments in conflict zones, have not significantly increased the risk of terrorism.
Security expert Willem Els concurs that the UK’s alert is intended to protect British nationals and not indicative of any specific threat towards South Africa. He highlights a similar warning issued for Kenya, emphasizing the heightened risk of terrorism targeting Westerners in various public places. Unlike South Africa, Kenya is not perceived as a country that may have strained relations with the UK or the West due to geopolitical issues.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the UK’s travel warning underscores the complex nature of international security considerations and the importance of proactive risk management strategies. While the threat of terrorism remains a global concern, collaboration and information sharing between nations play a crucial role in mitigating potential risks and ensuring the safety of travelers worldwide.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
