About half of the African countries have not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including Eritrea, Sudan and South Africa.
Several of the leaders of the South African ANC have been trained in the spirit of the old Soviet Union - which can complicate relations with Russia, according to SVT's Africa correspondent.
"Throughout history, the Soviet Union has given the South African leadership of the ANC a lot of support," says Johan Ripås in Morgonstudion.
He also says that the country wants to profile itself as neutral given the huge trade that South Africa has with the West.
On the other hand, there is a phalanx within the ANC that takes a strong position for Russia, says Johan Ripås.
Listen to SVT's Africa correspondent in the clip above.