As set out in a formal announcement, The Government of the Republic of South Africa conveys its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to His Majesty, King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, the Government and the people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan following a heinous attack on mourners at a funeral service in a church in Karak Governorate, where seven mourners lost their lives and forty more people were injured. We join the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, in condemning this senseless act of violence against civilians in a place of worship, which is meant to be a place of peace and sanctity. Minister Ronald Lamola stated that: “In this time of sorrow, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to the families of the victims and wish the injured people a speedy recovery.” The statement does not mention the specific details of the attack beyond the reported casualties. The statement does not mention the ongoing investigation by Jordanian authorities. The statement does not address the motivations behind the attack.
Context
The announcement represents a standard diplomatic response to a major international tragedy. The statement reflects South Africa’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism, as evidenced by its alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s condemnation. Minister Lamola’s words, while expressing sympathy, offer no substantive commentary on the broader geopolitical implications of the attack, nor does the statement address any potential security concerns related to religious sites. This approach is consistent with South Africa’s foreign policy, which prioritizes humanitarian responses over detailed analysis of conflicts. Should the visit by South African officials to Jordan yield an opportunity to further discuss regional security concerns, the statement does not specify what topics would be addressed.
What to Watch
The statement does not mention any planned actions beyond expressing condolences. There is no indication of a formal offer of assistance to the Jordanian government or the families of the victims. Should the visit by Minister Lamola to Jordan result in a discussion of regional stability, the statement does not outline any specific commitments. The statement does not mention any further communication with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
