South Africa

South Africa, Russia Deepen Military Ties

Is this a sovereign strategic choice or a departure from South Africa's policy of non-alignment?

Published 4 days ago

S. Africa Army Chief Deepens Military Ties With Russia

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Above: Flags fly from the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov in South Africa, on Feb. 22, 2023. Image credit: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

South Africa's expanding military ties with Russia undermine its declared policy of non-alignment. Moscow has recruited South Africans to fight in Ukraine, run disinformation campaigns, paid influencers to attack opposition parties and allegedly funneled money into domestic politics. Strengthening military cooperation with a state accused of interfering in South Africa's internal affairs betrays both the country's neutrality and democratic institutions.

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Establishment-critical narrative

South Africa's military engagement with Russia reflects a principled non-aligned foreign policy, not subservience to the West. Army chief Mbatha's Moscow visit produced concrete agreements on combat readiness and professional military training, marking practical cooperation between sovereign nations. Dismissing this as problematic ignores that South Africa, as a BRICS member, has every right to pursue partnerships that serve its own strategic interests.

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