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Washington, D.C. The Libertas Vanguard Society (LVS) has released a groundbreaking position paper detailing South Africa’s deepening entanglement with international terrorism, including direct links to U.S.-sanctioned ISIS operatives, defiance of global counter-terrorism…

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LIBERTAS VANGUARD SOCIETY EXPOSES SOUTH AFRICA’S ESCALATING TIES TO TERRORIST NETWORKS, IRAN, AND HAMAS IN NEW REPORT

Washington, D.C. The Libertas Vanguard Society (LVS) has released a groundbreaking position paper detailing South Africa’s deepening entanglement with international terrorism, including direct links to U.S.-sanctioned ISIS operatives, defiance of global counter-terrorism obligations, and expanding cooperation with Iran and Hamas.

Titled “South African Terrorist Ties, Defiance of Sanctions, and Escalating Geopolitical Risks”, the report reveals that Farhad Hoomer, a U.S.-designated global terrorist, remains active within South Africa, attempting to register a political party aligned with Islamic State objectives. Despite clear obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1373 and South Africa’s own anti-terrorism legislation, authorities have failed to act.

“This is a staggering collapse of accountability,” said Andrea Shea, Acting Communications Director of LVS. “South Africa is on the brink of becoming a permissive hub for terrorism financing, recruitment, and political subversion, enabled by state actors who have turned a blind eye or, worse, actively facilitated it.”

Key findings include:

The Islamic State of Africa’s political registration bid and manifesto calling for Sharia law in South Africa;
Failure to prosecute terrorism cases, including dropped charges against Hoomer despite possession of over 5,000 rounds of ammunition and military-grade weapons;

Ongoing economic and military ties with Iran, including nuclear cooperation and bilateral trade deals that may indirectly fund terrorism;

Unabated ANC support for Hamas, as seen in high-level meetings and legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice;

Systemic government failures, implicating top officials such as Shamila Batohi (NPA), Xolisile Khanyile (FIC), Gwede Mantashe, Ronald Lamola, John Steenhuisen, and Fikile Mbalula;

FATF greylisting fallout, with South Africa missing compliance deadlines, risking further isolation or blacklisting.

The LVS calls for immediate international response. The organization is preparing submissions to the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC, the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee, FATF, IAEA, and EU financial authorities urging targeted sanctions and investigations.

“Youth unemployment at nearly 60% is fueling radicalization. If the international community does not act decisively, we risk allowing a G20 nation to become a staging ground for extremist insurgency in Africa,” Shea added.

The Libertas Vanguard Society, through its Human Rights Impact Lab and the South Africa Futures Project, is committed to upholding international law, defending constitutional democracy, and exposing systemic threats to global stability.

y Turn - South Africa (@AliceVLAuthor) May 25, 2025