Why South Africa continues to be neutral in Ukraine-Russia war - Al Jazeera English

Jan 24, 2023

We just want every country to be able to have their own rights in the international systems as provided by the UN Charter.”

South African government officials described Lavrov’s visit, which came a day before US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was due to arrive in South Africa, as an ordinary visit.

Lavrov’s trip has nevertheless been described as insensitive by some opposition parties and the small Ukrainian community in South Africa.

To understand why the trip is getting so much attention within and outside the country, it is important to examine Pretoria’s stance in the war and its relationship with Moscow.

What is South Africa’s position on the conflict?

South Africa says it is impartial in the conflict, which started after Russia sent its troops into Ukraine 11 months ago.

In March, Pretoria abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling for Moscow to withdraw its forces immediately.

South Africa, along with 34 other countries, also abstained from a vote at the UN condemning Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories in October.

“South Africa believes that the only path to peace is through diplomacy, dialogue and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the principles that all member states shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means,” Pandor said in her remarks after the meeting Lavrov.

“It is important, therefore, to mention our sincere wish that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will be brought to a peaceful end through diplomacy and negotiations as speedily as possible,” she said.

But South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has offered to mediate in the conflict, has blamed NATO for the war.

The alliance ought to have “heeded the warnings from amongst its own leaders and officials over the years that its eastward expansion would lead to greater, not less, instability in the region”, he said in March.

Why is South Africa neutral?

Pretoria and Moscow have long historical ties dating back to the times of white minority rule in South Africa.

South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) has longstanding relations with Moscow forged during the liberation struggle against apartheid.

Many of the ANC leaders were educated or received military training in the Soviet Union.