Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
CATHOLIC clergy from seven African countries, including Zimbabwe, have accused the Government of Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and called for an immediate end to the conflict, saying Africa’s own history of war, apartheid and displacement leaves the continent with a moral obligation to speak out.
The call is contained in a joint statement issued by Priests Against Genocide – Africa (PAGA), the African chapter of the international Priests Against Genocide network, and signed by 10 clergy from South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali and Uganda.
Among the signatories is Zimbabwe-based Jesuit priest Fr Matthew Charlesworth, while South African Cardinal Stephen Brislin is the most senior church leader to endorse the statement.
“The policies and actions of the Government of Israel in Gaza constitute genocide,” reads the statement.
They said Africa’s own experience of colonialism, apartheid, armed conflict and forced displacement has shaped their response to the war in Gaza.
“Drawing on Africa’s own experience of war, displacement and apartheid, our history compels us to recognise the same patterns in Palestine,” reads the statement.
The clergy cited former South African President Nelson Mandela’s 1997 declaration that South Africa’s freedom was incomplete without Palestinian freedom, as well as findings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and human rights organisations that they said have characterised Israeli policies as apartheid.
They said the appeal was grounded in Scripture and Catholic social teaching and that its criticism was directed at the Israeli Government rather than the Jewish faith.
“Our condemnation targets the Government of Israel and its policies — not Jews or Judaism,” reads the statement.
The clergy also condemned Hamas and said they denounced “without qualification” the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages during the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
They called for “an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza and the violence in the West Bank, with full humanitarian access”, an end to forced displacement in the Holy Land, cooperation with international judicial mechanisms, suspension of weapons and surveillance technology at risk of misuse, ethical scrutiny of related investments, accountability and reparations for victims.
The clergy also called for a political future grounded in Palestinian self-determination alongside Israeli and Palestinian equality, security and dignity.
Thy urged African governments to apply international law consistently to conflicts on the continent, including those in Sudan, South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
The statement was signed by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Fr Kufre Afangide, Fr Matthew Charlesworth, Fr Hans-Joachim Lohre, Fr Bonaventure Mashata, Fr Mokesh Morar, Abbott Magloire Nkounga Tagne, Fr Peter-John Pearson, Fr Joseph Sene and Fr John Wababa.
Israel has consistently rejected allegations that it is committing genocide in Gaza, maintaining that its military campaign targets Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks while seeking to minimise civilian casualties.
The International Court of Justice has not issued a final ruling on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.
