Ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South Africa has claimed to be “non-aligned” and “neutral”. The West has long questioned the wisdom of that stance. Now America is questioning its veracity
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, South Africa has claimed to be “non-aligned” and “neutral”. The West has long questioned the wisdom of that stance. Now America is questioning its veracity. On May 11th Reuben Brigety, America’s ambassador to South Africa, accused the country of supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia in a clandestine naval operation in December 2022.
was delivering goods ordered before the covid-19 pandemic. In January, after weeks of silence about whether anything was put on the ship, another minister stated that the government had not approved any arms sales to Russia. In many countries that would be the end of the matter. But in South Africa, where the presidency, defence and foreign ministries regularly have no idea what other departments are doing, authoritative statements warrant scepticism.
Many questions remain unanswered. What specific materiel might have been taken to Russia? Who is supposed to have put the kit on the ship? What happened to it once it reached Russia? Regardless, America apparently feels that after failing to get convincing answers over the past five months, it had no option but to take its accusations public.
Either way, that act suggests that relations between the West and South Africa have reached their lowest point since the end of apartheid. In February, during the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South Africa hosted the Russian and Chinese navies for exercises. A month earlier Naledi Pandor, the foreign minister, welcomed her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on an official visit.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Illegal pigeon medicines imported from South Africa seized in BelfastThe suspicious package was reported by a courier company
Read more »
Eskom chief visits China as South Africa seeks to shore up ailing power monopoly\n\t\t\tJournalists in 50+ countries follow the constant flow of money made and lost in oil & gas while\n\t\t\ttracking emerging trends and opportunities in the future of energy. Don’t miss our exclusive\n\t\t\tnewsletter, Energy Source.\n\t\t
Read more »
US accuses South Africa of supplying arms to Russia\n\t\t\tKeep abreast of significant corporate, financial and political developments around the world.\n\t\t\tStay informed and spot emerging risks and opportunities with independent global reporting, expert\n\t\t\tcommentary and analysis you can trust.\n\t\t
Read more »
Who has made it to the I'm A Celeb...South Africa final after double elimination?Who will be going through to the I'm A Celeb... South Africa final after Paul Burrell and Carol Vorderman eliminated from ITV programme.
Read more »
Who will win I'm A Celeb...South Africa as Helen Flanagan 'lets slip' winner?Corrie star Helen Flanagan has apparently revealed the winner of ITV's I'm A Celeb...South Africa when speaking with the press on the red carpet.
Read more »
US ambassador accuses South Africa of providing arms to RussiaAmbassador Reuben Brigety said he was 'confident' that a Russian cargo ship that docked near Cape Town last December was loaded with war materials and ammunition
Read more »