Protesters gathered in Nicosia on Saturday to demand the closure of British military bases, citing concerns over complicity in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Around 500 individuals participated in the demonstration, which highlighted the increasing tensions surrounding the role of British and Cypriot entities in the region.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
March Details and Organisation
The protest commenced at 3:30 PM at the PASYDY building and concluded at the Presidential Palace at approximately 5 PM. It was organised by the grassroots group afoa.cy along with the Cyprus Palestine Solidarity Action, receiving support from a coalition of activist organisations.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Concerns Over Complicity in Regional Conflicts
Prior to the march, the organisers issued a statement expressing alarm at what they perceived as the Republic of Cyprus’s deepening involvement in “imperialist plans” that could lead to dangerous outcomes for local residents. They asserted that the presence of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), in conjunction with the support extended to the US and Israel, implicates Cyprus in regional war crimes.
- The organisers stated, “The narrative that an alliance with them supposedly provides our people with protection is akin to the way organised crime sells protection from threats it creates itself.”
- The statement continued, “We will not accept Cyprus being used as a launchpad for war.”
Targeting British Bases
Protesters focused on the SBAs at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, following reports from investigative outlet Declassified UK. These reports indicated that the bases have been utilised for surveillance flights over Gaza, providing intelligence support to the Israeli military. Additionally, the bases have allegedly facilitated attacks against various targets across the Middle East.
Backdrop of Increased Tension
The protest occurred amidst heightened regional tensions after a drone strike, reportedly by an Iranian-made Shahed, hit the runway at RAF Akrotiri on March 2. This was the first attack on the base since 1986, leading to the evacuation of nearby Akrotiri village and the deployment of European and British naval and aerial assets to the island.
During the demonstration, chants reverberated through the streets, with slogans like, “British bases you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide,” reflecting the protesters’ sentiments that the bases have transformed Cyprus into a “springboard for war.” Participants expressed concerns that the presence of UK military forces, combined with reports that the Keir Starmer administration has allowed US access to these bases for operations against Iran, places the Republic of Cyprus at risk of retaliatory strikes.
Surveillance Operations from Akrotiri
According to Declassified UK, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has conducted over 600 surveillance flights over Gaza from its Akrotiri base since December 2023. This level of military activity has intensified scrutiny on Cyprus’s role in the conflict.
Cypriot Government’s Position
In light of growing public dissent, President Nikos Christodoulides has attempted to distance the Republic from involvement in the ongoing conflict. In a recent statement, he asserted that Cyprus “does not intend to be part of any military operation,” aiming to alleviate concerns regarding the nation’s complicity in the violence.
The government’s attempts to navigate the complicated geopolitical landscape are being closely monitored, particularly as the situation in Gaza continues to escalate and diplomatic tensions rise.
The Future of British Bases in Cyprus
The ongoing protests indicate a significant public sentiment against the British military presence in Cyprus, with calls for action likely to persist as the conflict in Gaza unfolds. The demonstrators’ appeals for the closure of the SBAs reflect broader concerns about national sovereignty and the implications of foreign military operations on Cypriot soil.
As the situation develops, the relationship between Cyprus, the UK, and the United States will remain a focal point of debate, particularly in light of the public’s outcry for accountability and change regarding military involvement in foreign conflicts.
