Published on : Modified :
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited South Africa on Monday (January 23rd), a country that has been an ally for 30 years and which has refrained from condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The express visit marks Sergei Lavrov’s return to the African continent after a tour in July 2021. Isolated in the world, Russia is continuing its seduction operation in Africa and can count on South Africa, which is seeking to strengthen their bilateral relationship. . This to the chagrin of the Ukrainian diaspora.
With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Roman Song
Almost a year after the start of the war in Ukraine, South Africa has not deviated from its initial position: Pretoria continues to call itself neutral and refuses to talk about invasion russe ». A satisfaction for Sergei Lavrov : « I would like to commend South Africa for its principled stand, I respect its openness and responsible approach. »
For the Ukrainian diaspora in South Africa, this recognition says a lot about Pretoria’s true position towards the conflict. A small group, led by Anastasia Korpeso demonstrated against the arrival of Sergei Lavrov: “ The more we sink into the war, the more we are indignant at the South African government, which we unfortunately condemn. »
Latest outrage: the organization of joint military maneuvers. The American embassy criticized them, but South Africa has nothing to learn, said Naledi Pandor, the foreign minister:
« When others make maneuvers, everything is fine, but if by misfortune, you are a developing or African country, well you should not do it. This is called an abuse of international practices. »
South Africa does not support foreign countries comment on its relationship with Russia. This is growing, with several meetings planned between the two countries for 2023.
► Read also : South Africa leads rotating BRICS presidency