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U.S. Official Accuses South Africa of Arming Russia
TimeNov 26, 2022
The Facts
On Monday, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed that the commander of South African ground forces is visiting Moscow for bilateral talks between the two countries' militaries.
Lt. Gen. Lawrence Mbatha is heading a delegation holding talks with their Russian counterparts regarding "military cooperation" issues that would enhance the "combat readiness" of both countries' armed forces, Russian news agencies reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The military delegation's trip to Russia demonstrates that South Africa will not be intimidated by the US and the presumptuous claims of its ambassador, as it continues to pursue an independent foreign policy. The ambassador's unfounded and outrageous claims are the result of intelligence disinformation that threatens South Africa's national security and undermines the country's sovereignty. South Africa is not a US colony and should prove it by expelling Washington's ambassador.
Pro-establishment narrative
The dispatch of a South African military delegation to Moscow shortly after the recent scandal over Pretoria's arms support for Russia's war in Ukraine is the latest evidence of Pretoria's disgraceful support for Moscow. Not only did Ramaphosa lie about the arms shipments and Pretoria's alleged "non-alignment," Mbatha's Russia trip — funded by South African taxpayers — will further strain relations with the US and put more pressure on South Africa's already struggling economy.
