A group of lawmakers in the United States want to punish South Africa for deepening its military ties with Russia.
Christopher Coons, James Risch, Gregory Meeks, and Michael Mccaul of the U.S. Congress sent a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to move the location of the upcoming African Growth And Opportunity Act (AGOA) Summit from South Africa this year.
In a Twitter post, South African head of public diplomacy, Clayson Monyela shared the letter wherein the U.S. officials stated a number of reasons as to why South Africa should be punished.
According to the aforementioned US legislators, South Africa has taken a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, it has deepened its military relationship with Moscow.
The letter pointed out some examples, including a Russian cargo vessel under U.S. sanctions that were docked in South Africa’s largest naval port, and allegedly, this was utilized to supply Russia with arms and ammunition.
Another example was the joint military exercises earlier this year of South Africa with Russia and China.
Taking this into account, the Congress members voiced out their concern, saying that if the AGOA Summit is to be held in South Africa, it would be an implicit endorsement of the nation’s support for Moscow’s invasion.
Furthermore, the officials pointed out that eligibility for trade benefits under AGOA requires that benefitting countries should not engage in activities that undermine United States National Security or Foreign Policy interest.
With this, they called for the addressees of the letter to look into other locations for the upcoming forum.
Meanwhile, reacting to the letter, Monyella said in his Twitter post that there is no decision by the state department or the White House to move the AGOA Summit.
In addition, they are continuously engaging in talks with Washington to explain South Africa’s active non-aligned position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
