Investigation disproves US allegations that South Africa sent weapons to Russia
South African Investigation Disproves US Allegations of Weapons on Lady R Ship
In a recent development, an investigation conducted in South Africa has disproved allegations made by the United States, suggesting that South Africa supplied weapons to a Russian ship under US sanctions while it was docked at a Cape Town naval base. This accusation had strained relations between the US and South Africa, a nation with the most industrialized economy in Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the inquiry had found no evidence to substantiate the claim that the ship was involved in transporting weapons from South Africa to Russia, as earlier suggested by the US ambassador to Pretoria. He stated, “When we consider all the facts, none of the allegations about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true. None of the individuals who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support their claims.”
The Lady R, a vessel owned by Russia’s MG-FLOT, had docked at Simon’s Town base under mysterious circumstances in December, including the apparent deactivation of its transponder signal. At the time, South Africa’s defense ministry maintained that the ship had delivered goods for the country’s armed forces.
In May, Ambassador Reuben Brigety claimed that the US government was confident that the Lady R had also loaded weapons and ammunition in Cape Town on its way back to Russia, despite the absence of official approval from the South African government for arms exports to Russia or Ukraine since the onset of the war.
These allegations triggered a diplomatic crisis for Ramaphosa’s government, which had upheld a non-aligned stance on the Ukraine conflict. The allegations also sent shockwaves through South Africa’s financial markets as trade ties with key South African export industries to the US suddenly became uncertain.
“The allegations against our country had a damaging effect on our currency, economy, and our standing in the world,” lamented Ramaphosa.
Brigety and the US government did not provide specific evidence to support their claims, and Ramaphosa’s government was unable to outright deny them, leading to the establishment of an inquiry headed by a retired judge to investigate the matter.
These allegations came in the wake of growing frustration in Washington over South Africa’s perceived closeness to Russia, including joint naval exercises on the anniversary of the war and what was seen as Pretoria’s reluctance to condemn the invasion.
However, the Biden administration subsequently took steps to mend relations with South Africa, the largest US trading partner in Africa, and one of the non-aligned nations that the US sought to engage to challenge Russia’s narrative of the conflict.
The US State Department has expressed its appreciation for the seriousness with which the inquiry panel has investigated the Lady R incident. They noted their direct communication with Ramaphosa’s government and their intention to continue discussions through diplomatic channels. The State Department also emphasized its commitment to advancing shared priorities with South Africa, including trade, health, and climate.
Ramaphosa has taken proactive steps to prevent the withdrawal of trade preferences that grant South Africa access to US markets. He has also assumed a more prominent role in African diplomacy concerning the Ukraine conflict, including visits to Kyiv and Moscow.
Ramaphosa revealed that the inquiry had confirmed that the Lady R had indeed supplied materials to South Africa’s armed forces. While the full report will not be made public due to military security concerns, an executive summary will be released soon.
As of now, the US embassy in Pretoria has not responded to requests for comment regarding the investigation’s findings.
It’s worth noting that the US had previously imposed sanctions on MG-FLOT early in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing the company’s alleged involvement in transporting weapons for the Russian government.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
