South African military chief in Moscow

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 17 May 2023 by Alex Teddy

---

On May 16 was announced that Lieutenant General Mbatha is meeting Russian military chiefs. The South African delegation discussed cooperation with Russia and programs intended to heighten combat preparedness. Mbatha anticipated visiting the Russian Army's training grounds and factories.  Mbatha's visit had not been expected. It is possible it is a calculated statement of solidarity. It came days after the US publicly alleged that South Africa was selling arms to Russia. The South Africans denied this and seemed defiant. Mbatha announced that he had spoken to Putin on the phone and they concurred that they should deepen their mutual aid.  South Africa voted to abstain in the UN on the Ukraine War. South Africa has cordial relations with Russia. The African National Congress (ANC) is the ruling party in South Africa. The ANC is grateful to Russia for help during apartheid struggle. However, the Ukrainians point out that they were part of the USSR in that period and therefore they helped, too. Putin was due to attend a BRICS summit in South Africa in August 2023. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin in April 2023. South Africa has ratified the ICC's statute and would be obliged to arrest Putin if he visited. They may try to persuade Putin to send someone else in his place.