President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s sovereignty, saying that the country will not be drawn in on other nations’ conflicts.
He was speaking at the Africa Day celebrations at the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng.
President Ramaphosa’s closing statements allude to the US attempts to strong-arm South Africa into aligning with the West’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He noted that for too long, Africa had been used as a pawn in similar battles, which left the continent in an even worse condition.
Now the President’s comments come as Ukraine announced its plans to open more embassies in Africa and stage a summit with leaders from the continent, where Russia is also carrying out a diplomatic offensive.
This push comes as the world marks Africa Day.
It coincides with the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
It was meant to eradicate the negative influence of the Global North, and to bolster African sovereignty.
Political Science and International Relations lecturer at the University of Fort Hare Dr Valery Buinwi Ferim, notes that there may still be a chance of Africa returning to the ideals that forged the formation of the OAU.
