AFRICA ( Commonwealth Union) _ Reuben Brigety, the American ambassador in Pretoria, accused South Africa last week of arming Russia despite the country’s public nonalignment in the conflict in Ukraine. This sparked fresh problems in Pretoria’s relations with the United States.
At a news conference last week, Brigety asserted that ammunition and weapons had been covertly put onto the Lady R, a Russian merchant ship sanctioned by the United States, at a naval base in Simon’s Town, about 20 miles outside of Cape Town. South African officials rebuked the claims right away, denying any knowledge of an arms sale to Russia and calling Brigety to a meeting to discuss them.
Pretoria provided a different interpretation of the conversation between Brigety and Pandor, claiming that Brigety apologized for crossing the line and admitted his wrongdoing. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern over Brigety’s remarks, stating that they undermine the cooperative spirit between the US and South Africa. The Lady R affair, which was discussed during recent engagements, prompted Pretoria to agree to an independent investigation. However, Washington has not yet provided any evidence to support Brigety’s allegations.
The US-South Africa controversy is the latest in a series of tensions between the two countries and represents a test of the Biden administration’s commitment to reset relations with African nations. The conflict intensified after many African countries, including South Africa, did not support a US-backed UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. South Africa’s nonalignment policy and historical ties with Russia were cited as reasons for its stance, but Western governments dismissed these justifications.
South Africa has played a prominent role in addressing global issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency, representing Africa’s interests on international platforms. The country’s position on Ukraine aligns with the principles of multilateralism and nonalignment shared by many African capitals.
The Biden administration has sought to improve relations with South Africa through diplomatic engagements and visits, but Pretoria’s reaction to the accusations indicates limited progress in the overall relationship. South African officials perceive the accusations and Brigety’s behavior as attempts by Western powers to target the country for its perceived support of Russia in the geopolitical competition between the US and its allies and China and Russia.
The upcoming BRICS summit and Russia-Africa Summit, along with reports of other nations expressing interest in joining BRICS, have raised concerns about the potential economic repercussions of the arms sale controversy. There is speculation that it could impact South African companies’ participation in US programs and jeopardize trade relations. Some US lawmakers are calling for a tougher stance against South Africa, but specific measures have not been proposed.
The potential consequences, including economic implications and strained trade and investment relations, are viewed negatively by both South Africa and the Biden administration, as they contradict the desired tone and substance of the new form of relations with African countries.
