Naledi Pandor stated that South Africa will not be intimidated if other nations put pressure on it to choose a side in the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Naledi Pandor is South Africa‘s International Relations and Cooperation Minister. Pandor says that it is wrong to use coercion to force nations to choose a side in the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Minister was referring to choosing a side among China, Russia, or the West. It was for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Isolating China in African nations has been a goal of the US. The US’s decision to stay neutral in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has strained relations between South Africa and the US.
Naledi Pandor expressed her gratitude to Blinken for confirming that the US had not requested that South Africa choose a side. It was between Russia and Ukraine. She did, however, claim that some European nations had put pressure on her administration to adopt their stance on Ukraine.
Moreover, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is touring three African nations. Received by Naledi Pandor on Monday.
Sentiment of arrogant bullying
“I’m relieved that Secretary Blinken has stated that America is not forcing us to make a decision. I don’t remember the US making any effort to achieve that. However, in our interactions with a few our allies in Europe and abroad, there has been a feeling of condescending bullying toward “you pick this or else,” Naledi Pandor said.
Furthermore, there is a US law known as the “Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act.” It punishes African nations for defying US policy in the Ukraine crisis. And, was also criticized.
“We identified a pretty horrible item of current U.S. law passed by the House of Representatives. And, we had expected the media to cover it more widely.” The United States will penalize you if you claim that we believe in freedom—which, as I’ve said, is freedom for everyone. Because then Africa will be held responsible for your actions. “It’s unfortunate that one House enacted such measure of law, and certainly hope that the other House will not vote something as insulting,” she added.
A Negligible Economic Partner: Russia
The minister emphasized the importance of everyone respecting the various viewpoints held by other nations.
“After all, we are sovereign countries, and the UN Charter acknowledges us as such.” Even while there may be differences in our economic power and our ability to influence global trends, love for one another is what will keep the world in order. Respect for one another is what will keep the globe running smoothly.
“You choose this or else!” is something I despise, Pandor added.
According to the minister, Russia is a “very minor” economic partner for South Africa.
“Our annual trade with Russians is less than $4 billion, compared to USD 20 billion with the US.” Because of this, our affiliation with either country has nothing to do with our concern that we are currently seeing a putsch, Pandor remarked.
“We were forewarned of what might happen. therefore we have been quite clear in saying that we favor peace. Death, destruction, and desolation are precisely what we expected, and we are all experiencing it. Let’s make every effort to bring about peace,” Pandor stated.
