The Russian military arrived in Pretoria in July and confirmed the possibility of bringing its most advanced bomber, the Tu-160, there. They had planned to display the plane at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exhibition in September.
Ultimately, the advanced bombers were replaced by smaller Yak-130 trainer fighters, light attack aircraft, and unmanned S-350 Skat reconnaissance planes.
South African media reported that Russia ignored the continent's largest military trade show. Currently, for five days until 2 November, inter alia Il-62s, An-124s and possibly a strategic bomber, the Tupolev Tu-160 “Blackjack”, are scheduled to be stationed near Pretoria.
South Africa. Visit of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. There is a strong political conflict in the background.
While Russian bombers are landing at the Waterkloof base, intense political tensions are brewing within the South African country's coalition government over Russia's war with Ukraine.
A week ago, the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa praised President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Kazan for the BRICS summit, assuring him that “Russia is a valuable ally and friend of South Africa.”
The next day, John Steenhuisen, leader of the ruling Democratic Alliance (DA) party, said, “Russia, an authoritarian country, is neither a friend nor an ally of Russia.''
South Africa. Visit of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. “Betrayal of unity with Russia”
A week later, Ukraine's foreign minister, Andriy Sibikha, made an official visit to South Africa, and divisions within the government quickly revived.
Democratic Alliance Interior Minister Leon Schreiber told Ukrainian politicians in clear context that Ukraine was a “valued ally of South Africa” and said he would prepare an agreement that would allow Ukrainian diplomats to enter South Africa visa-free. Promised, Mr. Sibiha declared. rematch.
President Ramaphosa's government immediately criticized the minister, saying it had no formal authority to conclude such an agreement without the consent of the head of state.
On Monday, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and Mr. Sibiha explained that the visa-free travel agreement has not yet been finalized and requires diplomatic arrangements before it can be concluded.
Fikile Mbalula, secretary-general of the African National Congress, the largest party in the coalition government, said on Tuesday that President Ramaphosa would not sign the deal. This was supported by representatives of the two non-coalition parties, who called the deal a “betrayal of unity with Russia” and said it served “pro-Western interests.”
Russia – South Africa. Neutrality in the Ukraine war
Although South Africa officially declared neutrality in Russia's war against Ukraine, it has consistently strengthened its economic and political ties with Russia. This country is a member of the BRICS group.
South African authorities appealed to the International Criminal Court not to execute an arrest warrant for Putin when he was planning a visit to the country last year.
They previously abstained from voting to condemn Russia at the United Nations. In August 2018, the two countries signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation and cooperation between the ministries of defense.
Since then, Russian warships have regularly entertained Russian vessels in South African waters and conducted exercises alongside a small South African fleet, and unlike Russia, Pretoria's most important trading partners include the United States and the European Union. This is causing concern in countries.
Mr. Siemoniak talks about the presidential election on “Guest of Events”: Czarnek does not remember the future president / Polsat News / Polsat News
