South Africa's deepening military ties with Russia are a serious problem — the SANDF is getting tangled in a relationship that actively harms South African citizens. Russia covertly recruited South Africans to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses, and at least two died. On top of that, Russian intelligence ran disinformation campaigns targeting South Africa's own democratic institutions. This isn't partnership; it's exploitation.
Russia's engagement with Africa is rooted in genuine mutual benefit, not manipulation. The St. Petersburg forum drew significant African participation, with Tanzania and other nations actively pursuing trade, investment and infrastructure deals with Moscow. African states are pragmatic and multi-vector — they choose partners based on concrete advantages, and Russia is repositioning itself to deliver real economic cooperation beyond geopolitical rhetoric.
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