Notes from Portfolio Committee on International Relations: briefing on the current political situation in Mali & Swaziland

Notes from Portfolio Committee on International Relations: 
27th February 2013

Briefing on the current political situation in Mali & Swaziland

Mali

Regional situation and stability pressures

¤ complex region
¤ fragile states
¤ weak institutions
¤ existing conflicts in Libya, the Sudans, CAR, NigerDelta, N Nigeria, Cassamance, Guinea-Bissau, W Sahara, Piracy in Gulf of Guinea.
¤ arms trafficking
¤ drugs trade
¤ movement of radicalised elements - El Shabaab, AQIM, Mujao, Boko Haram

Prior to coup d'etat
¤ weak & corrupt administration
¤ globally viewed as weak on terrorism, if not actively colluding with hostage takers
¤ many senior civilians & military involved in arms & drug trade

South Africa supported ECOWAS & AU actions in Mali
¤ was active in negotiations of resolutions 2071 & 2085
¤ rejected the initial deployment plan
¤ Mali requested South Africa's assistance

The Malian Government must now demonstrate:

¤ effective governance
¤ respect for the rule of law
¤ command & control of the military

South Africa is seriously concerned about:

¤ reports of Malian military reprisals & murders of those suspected of supporting MNLA or other movements

¤ Malian Government & French military hiding human rights violations: preventing access to areas by journalists, humanitarian workers & doctors  
¤ driving rebels, particularly non-jihadist groups out of captured areas without creating a durable political solution could lead to prolonged insurgency & unrest.

SA assistance (pledge - not yet delivered) amounted to $10 million - to be put into an AU fund to be administered.

In addition to the R10million a South African humanitarian shipment arrived in Bamako on 11 Feb 2013 - totalling R70 million's worth of maize, sugar, milk powder & cooking oil.

Swaziland

Continues to face severe political & economic challenges

Previously Swaziland turned to SA for a loan of R2.4 billion. SA built in conditions to the loan including a demand for an inclusive political dialogue & economic reforms. Swaziland then indicated they would no longer pursue the loan. The loan and conditions - from SA's side - is still on the table!

Many of our SADC neighbours access social security and other services in South Africa - paid for by SA tax payers! Our interest in working toward a stronger SADC is part selfish in that it is in our interests for people to prosper where they are.