South Africa could face “repercussions” from the international community after conducting military exercises with Russia on the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the country’s opposition leaders say.
Russian warships spent the last 10 days of the week in South African waters undergoing naval exercises, including firing live ammunition at targets in a naval exercise dubbed Mosi II.
But opposition leaders feared it would mean a dangerous embrace by Russia. The exercise also involves Chinese naval vessels and more than 350 members of the South African military.
Troops and ammunition used in the war [having been used in these exercises]; it’s complicity,” Darren Bergman, shadow minister for foreign relations and cooperation and MP for the country’s official opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), told me. I.
“If Belarus can be accused of complicity, then why not South Africa? … I think there will be consequences.”
The exercise, which included mock lifeboats captured by pirates and the use of artillery fire, raised fears among the South African opposition that they would leave the country as part of the international community.
DA has come out in support of Ukraine and opposes the government’s rapprochement with Russia and the abandonment of neutrality. After prosecutors previously expressed concern over South Africa’s refusal to convict Russia for its war in Ukraine, prosecutors are now increasingly concerned about what closer ties to the country could mean for its more economically important ties to the West.
“This will definitely affect trade deals and aid,” Bergman said. “Any further exclusion from the international community will cause enormous damage [to South Africa’s struggling economy].”
On Friday, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylisted the country, meaning that companies, banks and individuals are now subject to much stricter due diligence when conducting international business or financial transactions of any kind.
And not only the official opposition is concerned about the rapprochement between South Africa and Russia. Civil society groups in Cape Town also protested the naval exercises and the inclusion of Russian warships.
“We are particularly concerned that the South African government has welcomed Russian military aggression in the previously peaceful waters of the Southern Ocean,” The Green Connection, Extinction Rebellion Cape Town, Kai Tikquoa Conservancy and the Ukrainian Association of South Africa said in a joint statement. .
“This not only sends a signal that South Africa is in league with an aggressor that violates the UN Charter, but also creates the risk of further confrontation between South Africa and its other trading partners.”
This was stated by the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth Affairs and Development of Great Britain (FCDO). I that “the UK is disappointed by South Africa’s decision to conduct military exercises with Russia to mark the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.”
The US response led to the drafting of a resolution by several members of the House of Representatives opposing South Africa’s military exercises with Russia and calling on the Biden administration to fundamentally strengthen US-South Africa relations. Although it is unlikely that the resolution will be passed, it is indicative of growing sentiment in Washington over South Africa’s relations with Russia.
Dr. Lisa Jernberg, an independent analyst and expert on African foreign policy, argued that not everyone in South Africa was unhappy with the arrival of Russian warships. I Former President Zuma’s most significant foreign policy achievement was joining the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Zuma has a “more pro-Russian side”. [and that] His supporters are still in power,” she said.
Although she does not hold official power, Mr. Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma Sambudla Described as the Ivanka Trump of the country, she has consistently reaffirmed her support for Russia with her over 200,000 Twitter followers.
Meanwhile, Julius Malema, leader of the country’s third largest party, the EFF, celebrated its 10th anniversary by accusing NATO of being the main aggressor in the conflict, violating Russia’s security. condemn and expose NATO.”
Early reports indicated that the Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov would test its Zircon hypersonic missile as part of the exercise. However, in a joint statement by Russia and South Africa, it was confirmed that there would be no launches of hypersonic missiles from Russian ships during the exercises.
Although only South African, Russian and Chinese ships participate in the exercise, BRICS partner Brazil is also present with representatives of its navy as observers.
But despite this military cooperation among the BRICS countries, it has not yet materialized into firm diplomatic support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, as the UN vote demanding the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from the country has not been taken up by any of the other BRICS countries it opposed. To . .
South Africa, China and India abstained, while Brazil supported the proposal. A total of 141 people voted in favor with 32 abstentions, and only Eritrea, Mali, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua and Syria voted against, along with Russia.
Britain and the West are increasingly aware of Russia’s influence in Africa and are trying to counter it. The FCDO spokesman added: “We are working closely with the UN and partners across Africa to protect the UN Charter and end the invasion of Russia. This conflict not only results in devastating loss of life and human rights violations, but also increases the cost of food, fertilizer and energy and exacerbates the deprivation of millions of people around the world.”