African countries, both at the African Union and at the state level, should support South Africa's position at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case against Israel, according to a press release issued by the African disaster relief NGO: Gift of the Givers and obtained by Sputnik Africa.
"We call on the one billion strong Africans [this is a geographical concept that embraces all races and colors] on our continent to impress on their governments to take the bold, just and correct decision to stand on the right side of history, openly and vociferously, supporting South Africa at the ICJ for tomorrow we could end up being bullied the way the Palestinians have been subjugated for 75 years whilst the world looked the other way," the organization said.
Gift of the Givers called the continent a "New World Order" and urged African countries to "get out of your bondage mentality, be brave, speak out and do the right thing, not only for Palestine, but for your own development."
Furthermore, the nonprofit said that the case against Israel in court goes beyond mere litigation, but is a battle between "good and evil" and even parts of the world.
"This is NO ordinary legal battle, this is Herculean, the fight for Truth over Falsehood, Good over Evil, Africa over the West, Oppression against Imperialism and Colonialism, Freedom against Apartheid," the press release stated. "As a continent we understand imperialism, colonialism, oppression, injustice, apartheid, bullying, hunger, thirst and medical 'suffering'."
In this sense, the organization continued that the defense of Pretoria's initiative at the ICJ is a "proud moment" as Africa takes the lead in the fight against "genocide, ethnic cleansing, injustice, oppression, collective punishment, war crimes, crimes against humanity and Western arrogance."
"This is a once in a lifetime shot at the title to free us from our own mental slavery, to free us from 'the begging bowl' narrative where we unapologetically take control of our resources to be managed by us in our own interest. We, as a continent, have to pursue the path of values and ethics, to be in integrity so that we lead by example and our voices are not hollow hypocritical sounds," Gift of the Givers concluded.
The first hearing in the South African case will begin in The Hague on January 11. On that day, a group of lawyers representing South Africa will present their stance. Pretoria has previously stated that Israel's actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are a "violation of obligations under the Genocide Convention."
Earlier in the day, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that suing Tel Aviv for genocide crimes was a "decision based on principle," noting that Pretoria had an "obligation" to support the Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in turn, accused South Africa of "cowardice" and lying for filing a genocide case against Israel and said the Israeli military was the most "moral" in the world.