South Africa's outward neutrality in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine contrasts with its long-standing ties to Moscow. Why is it the case?
Johannesburg, South Africa - Senior members of the African National Congress (ANC), the government of South Africa, travelled to Russia in April at the request of "a long-standing ally," according to the party. It went to Moscow to talk about the "recalibration of the global order," according to the ANC. Alvin Botes, the deputy foreign minister, was a member of the delegation.
Oleg Salyukov, head of Russia's ground troops, invited Lawrence Mbatha to visit Moscow this month; he referred to it as a "goodwill visit". Prior to President Cyril Ramaphosa, State Security Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will go to Russia as part of an African leaders' peace mission to Russia and Ukraine.
The rush of high-profile visits has occurred despite South Africa's official insistence, in spite of its historical relations with Moscow, that it is neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
And now, the degree of that neutrality will be tested ahead of the BRICS meeting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in August.
Oleg Salyukov, head of Russia's ground troops, invited Lawrence Mbatha to visit Moscow this month; he referred to it as a "goodwill visit". Prior to President Cyril Ramaphosa, State Security Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will go to Russia as part of an African leaders' peace mission to Russia and Ukraine.
The rush of high-profile visits has occurred despite South Africa's official insistence, in spite of its historical relations with Moscow, that it is neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
And now, the degree of that neutrality will be tested ahead of the BRICS meeting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in August.
8.594 SRY