Overview
- South Africa stands ready to mediate if requested, with President Cyril Ramaphosa saying the country would step in should a “gap” open.
- He pressed for an immediate ceasefire and said dialogue is the only route to end the war, adding he would speak with U.S. President Donald Trump if an opening arises.
- Pretoria is identifying citizens stuck in the region and preparing repatriation efforts once safe flights become available.
- Ramaphosa delivered the remarks in Cape Town during the Africa Energy Indaba, with his comments broadcast by Newzroom Afrika.
- Any mediation prospects face headwinds after January’s reciprocal persona non grata expulsions and South Africa’s ICJ genocide case, which Israel rejects as baseless.