| ID | 199105 |
| Title Proper | South Africa’s diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens kept hostage abroad |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Van Wyk, Jo-Ansie |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | One of the unintended consequences of the end of South Africa’s international isolation since 1994 and South Africans’ greater international mobility has been the increased risk and prevalence of South African citizens taken hostage by non-state actors abroad. Moreover, factors such as piracy off the East African coast, 9/11, the Arab Spring in North Africa, the collapse of the Gaddafi regime in Libya and subsequent regional insecurity have added to South Africans’ exposure to risk. Based on more than 20 South African hostage cases abroad, the contribution presents a first take on South Africa’s diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens. It outlines the legal and normative foundations of South Africa’s obligations regarding its citizens kept hostage abroad, as well as the country’s policy on hostage negotiations and captors’ demands. The country’s diplomatic efforts confirm the complexities and dynamics of international hostage negotiations and the significance of intermediaries. South Africa’s diplomatic efforts have predominantly resulted in the release of its citizens and a relative decrease in South Africans taken hostage abroad. However, some South Africans were killed or passed away during their captivity whereas several other citizens remain captive abroad as diplomatic efforts continue. |
| `In' analytical Note | African Security Review Vol. 34, No.2; Jun 2025: p. 205-224 |
| Journal Source | African Security Review 2025-06 34, 2 |
| Key Words | Diplomacy ; South Africa ; Negotiation ; Intermediary ; Non-State Actor ; Hostage |