The recent political upheaval in Syria, culminating in the removal of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad on December 8 2024, has been met with deafening silence from the South African government and others who are often quick to criticise Israel.
Al-Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist since 2000, maintained his grip on power through fear, torture and the indiscriminate killing of thousands of innocent people. His removal sparked celebrations among many Syrians, who see this as an opportunity to reclaim their liberty and freedom after decades of oppression.
Despite the significant development, global attention on Syria has waned, overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas conflict that began on October 7 2023. The unprecedented attack by Hamas, involving the killing of more than 1,200 people and the kidnapping of more than 250, drew widespread condemnation and intense media scrutiny. The focus on Israel’s response to the attack has relegated Syria’s plight to the background, further dimming the spotlight on the struggles of its people.
South Africa’s silence on Syria is particularly glaring. The same government that consistently issues statements and takes action against Israel — often without substantial evidence — has chosen to overlook the humanitarian crisis in Syria. This selective activism exposes the hypocrisy and double standards entrenched in South Africa’s foreign policy. It is clear the government’s criticism of Israel is not grounded in genuine concern for human rights, but rather in advancing a broader ideological agenda aligned with the Islamic state of Iran.
The removal of Bashar Al-Assad should have been a moment for the international community, including South Africa, to rally in support of the Syrian people.
The ideological alignment is part of a larger geopolitical strategy where South Africa, alongside other Brics member states, seeks to challenge Western democracies. Israel, a staunch ally of the West, is viewed as a proxy for the democracies, making it a prime target in the ideological warfare. South Africa’s actions — or lack thereof — reflect a calculated effort to undermine Western influence while aligning itself with authoritarian regimes that oppose democratic values.
The removal of Assad should have been a moment for the international community, including South Africa, to rally in support of the Syrian people. Assad’s regime was notorious for its human rights abuses, including the use of chemical weapons against civilians, arbitrary arrests and widespread torture. His ousting represents a significant step towards addressing the atrocities and rebuilding a nation devastated by years of conflict. However, South Africa’s silence suggests a lack of genuine commitment to human rights and democracy, raising questions about its credibility on the global stage.
The double standard is not new. South Africa’s foreign policy has long been criticised for its inconsistent approach to international conflicts. While the government is quick to condemn Israel for alleged human rights violations, it has remained silent on the atrocities committed by other states, such as Syria, Iran and even Russia. This selective criticism undermines South Africa’s moral authority and highlights the political motivations behind its actions.
The alliance between South Africa and Iran further complicates the situation. Iran, a key player in the Middle East, has a vested interest in shaping global narratives around Israel. By aligning itself with Iran, South Africa not only alienates itself from Western democracies but also risks being complicit in advancing the agenda of authoritarian regimes. The alignment is evident in South Africa’s refusal to condemn Iran’s support for groups like Hamas, which have been linked to acts of terrorism and human rights abuses.
The ideological warfare between the West and the Brics bloc is playing out in the Middle East, with Israel caught in the crossfire. South Africa’s stance on Israel is not merely a critique of its policies but a broader attack on Western values and democratic principles. By targeting Israel, South Africa and its allies aim to weaken the West’s influence in global affairs while promoting an alternative world order dominated by authoritarian regimes.
The strategy, however, comes at a cost. South Africa’s credibility as a champion of human rights is increasingly being called into question. The government’s failure to address the crisis in Syria undermines its claims of advocating for justice and equality. It also alienates South Africa from its traditional allies, further isolating the country on the international stage.
The celebrations in Syria following Assad’s removal underscore the resilience and determination of its people. Despite years of oppression, they have not given up on their quest for freedom and dignity. The international community, including South Africa, has a moral obligation to support the efforts and ensure Syria’s transition to democracy is successful.
South Africa’s selective approach to foreign policy has domestic implications. The government’s focus on international issues, often at the expense of addressing pressing domestic challenges, has drawn criticism from its citizens. South Africa faces many challenges, including high unemployment rates, widespread poverty and systemic corruption. By prioritising ideological battles on the global stage, the government risks losing the trust and support of its people.
It is time for South Africa to adopt a more balanced and principled approach to foreign policy. This means holding all states accountable for human rights violations, regardless of their geopolitical alignments. It also means prioritising the needs and aspirations of its own citizens over ideological alliances that do little to improve their lives. By doing so, South Africa can reclaim its position as a respected leader in global affairs and a true advocate for justice and equality.
The removal of Assad presents an opportunity for South Africa to demonstrate its commitment to these principles. Supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of freedom and democracy would send a powerful message about South Africa’s values and priorities. It would also challenge the narrative that South Africa’s foreign policy is driven by ideological considerations rather than a genuine concern for human rights.
By failing to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, South Africa undermines its credibility as a champion of human rights and justice. It is time for the government to rethink its approach and prioritise the values of freedom, democracy and equality in its dealings with the international community. Only then can South Africa reclaim its moral authority and fulfil its role as a global leader in the fight for justice and human rights.
• Kenneth Mokgatlhe wa Kgwadi is an independent writer, political analyst and researcher. He is doing his MA in African Studies at the Israeli-based Ben Gurion University of the Negev.•
• For opinion and analysis consideration, email Opinions@timeslive.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.