Global Courant
A letter received by The New York Times states that the South African government has deepened its relations with Russia over the past year, despite formally taking a neutral stance on Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, forcing the United States to take action.
According to the publication, both Democratic and Republican representatives in Washington have said it is time for South Africa to face the consequences for its foreign policy. This follows the White House taking an extended wait and see approach.
The letter, dated June 9, written by the United States Congress to U.S. State Department Anthony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jacob Sullivan and U.S. Commerce Ambassador Katherine Tai, said lawmakers are deeply concerned that organizing of the 2023 AGOA forum in South Africa would serve as an implicit endorsement of South Africa’s damaging support for the Russian invasion and possible violation of US sanctions laws.
It highlighted recent allegations that South Africa had supplied arms to Russia on the ‘Lady R’ ship and cited the recent joint military exercises between Russia, China and South Africa as evidence of the African country’s close ties to Putin.
In addition, these actions by South Africa raise doubts about its eligibility for trade benefits under AGOA because of the legal requirement that beneficiary countries not engage in activities that may harm the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. undermining,” the letter said.
“While we understand that the AGOA review process for 2024 is ongoing and no decisions have been made yet, we question whether a country in danger of losing AGOA benefits should have the privilege of attending the 2023 AGOA Forum. to host.”
“Our concerns are shared by many South African citizens and businesses, who are increasingly speaking out about the country’s deteriorating conditions.”
The letter added that if South Africa continues to support Russia and its illegal invasion of Ukraine, hosting the forum in another country in Sub-Saharan Africa would send a clear and important signal of the US’ unwavering alliance with Ukraine. – and that it will not accept any stipulations from trading partners to help Russia.
AGOA refers to the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which grants duty-free treatment to goods in certain sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa. Ultimately, the agreement provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for thousands of goods.
The loss of AGOA benefits could result in the loss of foreign trade benefits for South Africa. Under the law, the president is given the authority to add or remove countries from AGOA, a process administered by the Office of the US Trade Representative.
The letter was signed by Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as Senator Jim Risch, the leading Republican on the committee. In addition, it was endorsed by key Republican and Democratic officials on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Domestically, the ANC-led government has tried to allay concerns about the international backlash on its stance on the war.
South Africa has denied supplying Russia with weapons and is currently conducting an independent inquiry into the allegations. The country has also urged it to remain neutral on the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking to media in Pretoria on Monday, June 12, Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for the presidency, said suggestions that the country will be hit by international sanctions because of its non-aligned views are reckless and harmful to the economy.
“There is no evidence whatsoever to point to sanctions being created by any country or even by the United Nations Security Council, the only authority that can enact global sanctions.
“There is no such conversation. As a government, we have had several bilateral talks with the US administration, and it has not been suggested that the US will consider imposing sanctions on South Africa,” said Magwenya.
Economists and researchers have sounded the alarm about the government’s close ties to Russia. Ndivhuho Netshitenzhe, an economist at Stanlib Asset Management, said that if geopolitical tensions against the West escalate, the country risks losing R612.7 billion in export earnings.
South Africa is largely dependent on exports to both the EU and the US – accounting for a total of 30.4% of all exports – compared to Russia’s 0/23%.
See the full letter from the foreign affairs and relations heavyweights below:
Read: Government slams reckless and alarming ‘talk about sanctions’
