More than 40 South African organisations gathered outside the United States consulate in Cape Town on Friday morning in a coordinated protest against the US-Iran war and Israeli military operations in the Middle East.
Why it matters: The demonstration reflects growing South African civil society opposition to US and Israeli military actions, following a pattern of anti-war mobilisation that has intensified since the Iran conflict began in late February.
What happened
The coalition, calling itself Unite Against Imperialism and Zionism, assembled at the consulate from 09:30 to 11:30. The group included political parties, trade unions, faith-based organisations and community groups.
The US Embassy had issued a demonstration alert on Thursday warning American citizens in Cape Town about the planned protest.
What they demanded
Protesters called for an end to what the coalition described as an illegal war on Iran, apartheid and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The coalition also raised concerns about conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba and Venezuela, which it linked to foreign intervention and economic sanctions.
Context
South Africa has been among the most vocal critics of both the US-Iran conflict and Israeli military operations. The government has maintained its position at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Anti-war protests have taken place at US diplomatic missions across South Africa since the Iran conflict began, though Friday’s march drew one of the broadest coalitions to date.