Members of the South African Communist Party (SACP), an alliance partner of the governing African National Congress (ANC), have gathered outside the United States (US) embassy, in Pretoria, to protest against US President Donald Trump’s treatment of Iran.

SACP protests at US embassy: What are the communists demanding?

SABC News reporter Samkele Maseko has been on the ground, providing coverage of the picket.

#SACP The communists are picketing outside the USA Embassy over the stand-off between the US and Iran. The picket is led by SACP 1st Deputy General Secretary Solly Mapaila. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/AEV6SkZOKD — #TheLordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 23, 2020

#SACP is picketing outside the US Embassy in Pretoria this morning against USA President @realDonaldTrump stance on Iran and the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/0H13q5ajct — #TheLordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) January 23, 2020

Asked why they were picketing outside the US Embassy, the group claimed that this was a way of standing in solidarity with the Iranian people, following the assassination of the Middle East’s most revered military veteran, General Qasem Soleimani.

Speaking with the media, deputy secretary-general of the SACP, Solly Mapaila, confirmed that this was the party’s way of sending a stern message to President Trump about his recent decisions regarding Iran.

“We are picketing here to protest against the US aggression in the Middle East, particularly against Iran. [Extraterritorial jurisdiction] killings, violation of international law — as you know, for instance, the killing of General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by US instruments,” he said.

ANC alliance group submits memorandum to US Embassy

In a memorandum that we have attached below, the SACP claims to be singing in one voice with the ANC, and its alliance partners, in condemning the aggression imposed by the US on Iran.

The ANC has yet to formally acknowledge its participation in the picketing against the US and Trump. Alas, the memorandum listed a number of demands, calling on the Trump administration to::

engage in a dialogue with Iran for peaceful resolution of matters of common interest, including the lifting of unilateral sanctions;

stop exporting wars;

stop [extra-jurisdiction] killings;

respect the sovereignty of states in determining their own destinies; and

respect human rights, United Nations resolutions international law.

The SACP has given the Trump administration seven working days to furnish a response to the list of demands, sent to this email address: international@sacp.org.za.