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The ambassador of United States to Cape Town has put a serious allegation to South Africa for provision of weapons to Russia which are to be used in Ukraine War.
Reuben E. Brigety II, a US ambassador, told that a ship, The Lady R, docked secretly at Naval Base in Cape Town for three days in December last year. It was certain that weapons and ammunition were loaded into the ship.
The New York Times quoted him as saying that “we are confident that weapons were loaded onto that vessel, and I will bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion.”
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa quickly responded before the Ambassador went for press brief, that the investigation is underway with the help of American intelligence services to acquire information about the purpose behind the visit of the Lady R, and whether weapons and ammunition were uploaded or not.
The Ambassador Reuben disclosed the matter at press conference in South African
capital, Pretoria.
He further informed about his certainty that the Lady R docked between 6th to 8th December at Sumon’s Town base, where military equipment was loaded for transport to Russia.
He further raised question on the neutrality of South Africa and its
stance on the Ukraine war that the conflict should be called off.
He also later gave interviews to multiple news channels in which he said
that arming Russia is an “extremely serious concern” and that the issue will
not be easily resolved.
According to him, US considered South Africa as ally and hoped that the
country could be a key buffer against Russia and China in the region. But, if it
is found true, the relations between the two countries could be fractured.
On the other hand, South African Presidential office issue a statement that there was no evidence to support the allegation so far.
When the news broke, Ramaphosa was attending a parliamentary session. He was also asked by the opposition leader, John Steenhuisen about the story to which the President replied, “The matter is being investigated after which he will be able to speak”.
John Steenhuisen also related the matter with Wagner’s last week demand of weapons due to dire shortage. He also asked the President if South Africa is actively arming Russian soldiers who are responsible for atrocities and murder of innocent people in Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister’s Visit to South Africa last January:
Surgery Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia, hosted by South Africa in January 2023. Few week later of the visit, South Africa allowed Russian and Chinese warships to perform drills at the east coast of Africa. The South African navy also took part in the drills.
South Africa claimed to have strengthen the already flourishing relations with Russia and China.
Putin’s Arrest Matter:
South Africa is the signatory to the International Criminal Court base in The Hague, Netherlands which issued arrest warrant of Russian Vladimir Putin for his involvement in war crimes done by Russia in Ukraine.
South Africa is facing a diplomatic dilemma over the possible visit
Putin because, it is hosting a summit of BRICS in August this year. Being the
signatory, it has to arrest Putin, but the government has indicated that it
would rather leave the ICC instead obliging it to make an arrest.
(Courtesy: Washington Post/New York Times)
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