South Africa explains neutrality in Russia-Ukraine conflict

South Africa will not depart from its decades-old foreign policy of non-alignment, despite considerable external pressure, President Cyril Ramaphosa has said. Commenting on the Ukraine conflict, the leader described it as a faceoff between Russia and the West, and something that Pretoria does not want to be part of.

In a statement to the nation published on Monday, Ramaphosa stressed that since the end of Apartheid in 1994 South Africa has consistently “pursued an independent foreign policy.” One of its main tenets has been the refusal to join any power blocs, the president insisted, adding that the country advocated an “inclusive multilateral world order.”

“Throughout, we have been firm on this point: South Africa has not been, and will not be, drawn into a contest between global powers,” Ramaphosa said.

However, much like other African nations, South Africa has come under “extraordinary pressure” to change its long-standing approach since the start of Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine, the leader stated…