A political analyst says South Africa is entitled to maintain a non-aligned stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
South Africa, just as much as any other country, should not be pressured into picking a side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Instead, it should be allowed to pursue foreign policy that is in line with its own interests, according to a political expert.
“South Africa is a sovereign entity. It has the right to positions that would protect and put its national interests first, in the same way America and countries within Europe do,” said Dr. Ekeminiabasi Eyita-Okon, researcher and lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Governance.
Eyita-Okon’s comments came ahead of official confirmation that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin would not attend the 15th BRICS Summit. The gathering of heads of state from Brazil, India, China and South Africa is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in August.
For months, since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for the Russian head of state, South African authorities were being pressured to arrest Putin. President Cyril Ramaphosa had noted such an action could be seen by Russia as a declaration of war.
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Non-aligned stance
Amid rife speculation and intense lobbying, the South African government had repeatedly insisted on a non-aligned stance. Eyita-Okon reprimanded Western countries for seemingly not considering South Africa’s position and the associated risks.
“South Africa, through Cyril Ramaphosa, has always made its position clear. It is a member of the non-aligned movement and countries like America, for instance, need to also know when to tow the line,” she said.
There were different ways to address the same matters, she said, adding in no event should the country be forced to jeopardise its own stability.
“These matters can be addressed in multiple different ways, without having to implicate and undermine the sovereignty of South Africa, the safety of South Africa, the peace and stability of South Africa and the region.”
The “mutual agreement” to have Putin stay away from the Summit may spare South Africa the nightmare of having to arrest him. It will, however, have to continue to assert its non-alignment in an increasingly polarised world.
