South Africa urges utmost restraint, protection of civilians in Afghanistan

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - South Africa Tuesday expressed concern over the situation in Afghanistan, calling on authorities there to ensure that the rule of law, human rights, and the safety of all Afghans and foreign nationals alike are protected.

The government said in a statement it is particularly concerned by the plight of thousands of displaced Afghans seeking safety and security amid the turmoil.

“We wish to appeal to all military and security groups to exercise the utmost restraint and protect the lives and property of the people,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement.

Pretoria said it encourages all Afghan parties involved in the conflict to ceaselessly search for a solution through dialogue, restoration of stability, and an orderly transition to a new government.

“DIRCO has established, via the South African High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan that they are in contact with a number of South African nationals based in Afghanistan to ensure their safety and provide the necessary consular assistance,” it said.

The Taliban this week returned to power 20 years after a US-led intervention ousted them in 2001.

The group was able to seize control after most foreign troops pulled out of the Central Asian country.