The Democratic Alliance (DA) has distanced itself from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comment saying Russia is a valuable ally and friend.
Ramaphosa is in Russia with other world leaders who are part of the BRICS community. He said this during bilateral talks with Putin.
Despite being part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA said it rejects this characterisation in uncertain terms.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said the party does not consider Russia or Vladimir Putin an ally of the nation.
“We cannot and will not agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime that is currently violating international law by waging an imperialist war of aggression against a sovereign state as an ally.
“At a time when South Africa is experiencing renewed optimism with the first real prospects of economic growth in almost two decades, our government simply cannot afford to make statements that could jeopardise international relations and trade opportunities, which are crucial for realising our key objectives of growth and job creation,” Steenhuisen said.
WESTERN CAPE PREMIER THREATENS TO ARREST VLADIMIR PUTIN
In July 2023 the International Crime Court (ICC) issued a warrant of arrest for Putin as he was accused of being responsible for the war crimes of unlawful deportation of children, and the unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation under Articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute.
In April, the DA-led Western Cape government said if Putin sets foot in the province, he will be arrested by the provincially funded Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers.
“If the South African Police Service is not instructed to act, we will,” Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said.
The DA chastised the national government for its impartial stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine since the war broke out in February 2022.
BLUE PARTY HAS THE RIGHT TO MAINTAIN ITS FOREIGN POLICY
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, African National Congress (ANC) deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said the DA has a right to maintain its foreign policy position.
Mokonyane said it is unfortunate that an agriculture minister who knows South African farmers have an appetite and yearn for access to the Russian market would want to speak out against the South African government’s foreign policy.
“It has been agreed that foreign policy as well as issues of defence rest with the head of state and, in this, the president,” Mokonyane said.
DO YOU THINK PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST JOHN STEENHUISEN?
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