War in Ukraine: controversy in South Africa over the government's position in the conflict

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during his speech to parliamentarians on February 10, 2022 at Cape Town City Hall (illustration image).

© AP/Nic Bothma

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

On the twelfth day of the war in Ukraine, in South Africa, the debate continues around the vague position of the government.

If the Minister of Foreign Affairs had, at first, called for the withdrawal of Russian troops, her party quickly reframed it, and the ANC now adopts the most neutral position possible.

The country was also one of the abstainers last week during the vote on a resolution at the UN.

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With our correspondent in Johannesburg

,

Claire Bargelès

In his weekly letter to the nation,

the South African president made a point of detailing his position

 : if the end of the war is desirable for all, Cyril Ramaphosa wishes to " 

achieve peace through negotiation and not through force of arms

 " .

, as his country had managed to do, according to him, at the end of apartheid.

And the UN resolution did not sufficiently promote dialogue and mediation, which explains this abstention according to the Head of State.

The country “walks” on eggshells

But if South Africa “walks” so much on eggshells, it is also because it maintains strong ties with Russia.

Historical, on the one hand: while the USSR supported the ANC under apartheid, party cadres still have connections today, such as former President Jacob Zuma who calls his friend Vladimir Putin " 

a man of peace

 ", or the Minister of Defense Thandi Modise who went to a cocktail party for the 30 years of relations between the two countries.

Not to mention economic ties, while South Africa does not want to offend its partner Brics.

“ 

quiet diplomacy

 ”

Rather than condemn, the government therefore continues in its tradition of “ 

quiet diplomacy

 ” and hammers the terms “ 

mediation

 ” and “ 

compromise

 ” to maintain its neutrality.

►

To read also: War in Ukraine: its political repercussions in South Africa

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  • South Africa

  • Ukraine

  • Russia

  • Cyril Ramaphosa