President Cyril Ramaphosa of south africa said on Monday that his non-aligned position did not favor Russia over other states and reiterated his call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
His remarks in a weekly presidential newsletter came after us allegations last week that weapons were loaded onto russian ship lady r from a naval base in cape town, which sparked a diplomatic row.
South African officials quickly dismissed claims made by us ambassador to south africa Reuben brigety, who also said senior us officials had “profound reservations” about South Africa’s professed policy of non-alignment and neutrality in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
South Africa would continue to respect international conventions and treaties to which it is a signatory, and its response to us allegations of arms transfer would follow them, he said.