SA Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula with former chief of the SA Army Vusi Masondo at a wreath-laying ceremony for SANDF soldiers who died while serving under the United Nations command in other African countries. PHOTO: Jonisayi Maromo/ANA
Terrorism in Syria is high on the agenda at this year’s Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS), where Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is to meet Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu.
According to her department, Mapisa-Nqakula and Shoygu were to “discuss a variety of bilateral defence issues”, while the three-day conference would not only focus on Syria, but also “security issues facing Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America”.
According to the Russian ministry of defence, 30 defence ministers from around the globe have confirmed their participation, as well as members of eight international organisations and 68 foreign security experts.
The defence issues SA has in common with Russia must still be answered, but President Donald Trump’s announcement that it was time for the US to pull out of Syria would have sent shock waves through the MCIS.
So why is SA attending a conference on terrorism in Syria?
“The last thing Syria can afford is another actor in the conflict. It is highly complex,” said Jasmine Opperman, director of Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium.
The Syrian Ba’athist government is supported by Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and Iraq. Supporting the Syrian opposition are the US, United Kingdom, France, Turkey and the Arab League.
Then there is the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda.
A local religious sect referred to as Shabaab has launched two recent attacks in Mozambique. There have also been numerous attacks in central Africa.
“IS is trying hard in Africa, but struggling to gain strongholds in Mali and Somalia,” said Opperman.
“We should rather focus on our international structures and mechanisms and stay out of the Syrian conflict. Because by being involved, it would be seen as aligning ourselves with someone at the expense of someone else.
“South Africa has to be seen to play an active role in countering extremism. Extremists such as IS and al-Qaeda are repositioning themselves by trying to take leadership which not only affects Africa, but will affect southern Africa.”
– amandaw@citizen.co.za
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