The Southern Africa Litigation Centre has accused South Africa's government of violating its own laws by approving arms sales to military juntas in several African countries and to nations implicated in human rights abuses. A new report highlights exports to Mali, Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates despite legal prohibitions. This contradicts South Africa's commitments to peace and human rights.
Background on South Africa's Arms Control
South Africa has positioned itself post-apartheid as a champion of human rights, peace, and democracy, including commitments to 'silencing the guns' in Africa. However, the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), chaired by Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and comprising Cabinet members, oversees arms exports under strict legislation. This law prohibits sales that could fuel repression, violate human rights, or go to governments under military rule or accused of international crimes.
Key Exports to Military Juntas
The SALC report, 'The Hypocrisy of South Africa’s Arms Exports' by Atilla Kisla, published on 21 October 2025, details approvals post-coups:
- Guinea: After the 5 September 2021 coup ousting President Alpha Condé, the NCACC approved two armoured combat vehicles in 2022 (R26.1 million) and another two in 2023 (R26.1 million), despite arrests of opposition and bans on demonstrations.
- Burkina Faso: Following coups in January and October 2022, exports included four armoured vehicles in 2023 (R40 million) and UAV equipment (R3.248 million), amid reports of a military drone killing 20 civilians.
- Gabon: R115.695 million in arms approved in early 2023, just before the August 2023 coup.
- Mali: Between 2022 and 2024, 19 armoured vehicles exported (totaling over R170 million), some claimed for a UN mission that ended in 2023, raising questions about their current use.
Sales to Rights Violators and Legal Challenges
Exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE continued from 2020 to 2025, totaling hundreds of millions (e.g., R614 million to UAE in 2022), despite UN accusations of war crimes in Yemen. Kisla notes these violate NCACC criteria and a July 2024 Gauteng High Court ruling from a SALC case against Myanmar arms sales (R215 million, 2017-2021). That ruling set aside permits and mandated suspensions for suspected international crimes or coups.
Kisla warns: "South Africa is drifting from the rule of law into a system of selective compliance." He urges immediate suspensions post-coups and holds arms companies liable beyond NCACC permits. These practices undermine South Africa's credibility and risk weapons fueling repression.