Columbia second country to intervene in SA's genocide case against Israel

CAPE TOWN - Columbia has become the second country after Nicaragua to intervene in South Africa’s genocide against Israel.

In a lengthy declaration filed with the International Court of Justice, Columbia says it’s not taken the decision lightly.

But wants to act as a responsible member of the international community to condemn the crime of genocide. 

Columbia’s application came as Germany was on Tuesday defending itself in a separate case brought by Nicaragua in the world court - that it’s been facilitating Israel in its war on Gaza.

In a 75-page declaration of intervention, Columbia says it believes Israel has failed to prevent genocide and more egregiously has itself committed genocide.

It contends there are sufficient reasons to intervene in South Africa’s case as a party to the Genocide Convention, and says its ultimate goal is to ensure the fullest protection of Palestinians in Gaza.

Columbia says while it’s not seeking to become a party to the proceedings brought by South Africa against Israel in December, its intervention is aimed at assisting the court in construing the provisions of the convention that are in question in this case. 

It goes on to set out its interpretation of the matter and says states that are party to the Genocide Convention should do everything in their power to ensure the prevention, suppression and punishment of genocide.

Columbia says it wants to assist the court in determining whether a party is failing in its obligations towards the convention - especially in the context of the dramatic situation unfolding in Gaza.

In accordance with the rules of the court, South Africa and Israel have been invited to furnish written observations on Columbia’s declaration.