South Africa faces lawsuit over weapons sales to the US, said to be fueling global conflicts

In an attempt to halt South Africa's arms shipments to the United States, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) has filed a lawsuit in the North Gauteng High Court.

The group claims that by permitting the sale of weapons to a government that it believes has engaged in activities that jeopardize global peace and security, South African authorities are violating the National Conventional Arms Control Act.

The complaint focuses on the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which SALC claims has not done enough to guarantee that South African-made guns are not utilized in situations of war, instability, or violations of international law.

According to SALC, the lawsuit represents a substantial attempt to hold government officials accountable for human rights and legal commitments rather than political motives.

The organization added that the application, filed on June 3, 2026, lists the NCACC chairperson, the Minister of Defence, and the President as respondents.