The foreign ministry readout describes The Government of the Republic of South Africa notes with serious concern the renewed escalation of attacks in the Red Sea region, particularly in and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including the attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as in the context of the protracted conflict in Yemen. The statement, released today, October 15th, 2026, reflects a deepening apprehension within Pretoria regarding the volatile situation unfolding in a critical maritime trade corridor. This matters because the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital artery for global commerce, accounting for approximately 12% of worldwide trade volume, and disruptions there have immediate implications for global supply chains and energy prices – a factor South Africa, reliant on imports, cannot ignore.
Context
South Africa’s response is rooted in its longstanding position advocating for peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels. The statement explicitly aligns with the observations of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen, echoing the prevailing consensus regarding the need for an inclusive political process under UN auspices. This suggests a continued adherence to multilateralism as South Africa’s primary instrument of foreign policy, despite the intensifying security challenges. The government’s condemnation of attacks on civilian infrastructure, coupled with the reiteration of its commitment to international law, demonstrates a resolute defense of established norms, though it does not detail any specific actions South Africa intends to take. The statement does not address potential implications for South Africa’s own naval presence in the region or the security of its maritime trade routes.
What to Watch
Should the visit by the UN Special Envoy yield a renewed impetus for negotiations, South Africa will likely continue to advocate for a comprehensive end to the conflict in Yemen. If the situation continues to deteriorate, further escalation of regional instability remains a serious concern. The government’s call for restraint and constructive engagement is conditional; South Africa will likely increase its engagement with regional partners, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to promote stability. The statement does not mention any specific steps South Africa intends to take to mitigate the immediate risks posed by the attacks, beyond reiterating its calls for restraint.
South Africa concurs with the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen that the suffering of the Yemeni people can only be addressed sustainably through negotiations between the parties and an inclusive political process under UN auspices. South Africa calls for the launch of an inclusive political process to comprehensively end the conflict. Furthermore, South Africa further reaffirms the importance of safeguarding the navigational rights, the freedom of vessels and the safety of seafarers of all States in the Red Sea and the Straits of Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), of 10 December 1982.
South Africa has noted with deep concern the attacks on places of worship and sites of religious significance, including areas associated with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, undermining both freedom of religion and cultural heritage. Such sites hold profound significance for millions of Muslims worldwide and must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Minister Ronald Lamola has reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through inclusive dialogue, diplomacy and respect of international law. The Minister emphasised that sustainable peace in Yemen and stability in the Red Sea region remain essential for regional prosperity, international trade and the advancement of Africa’s development agenda. South Africa therefore renews its call for restraint, diplomacy and constructive engagement by all parties in support of a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Enquiries: Mr Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
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