President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa told Washington in a state visit that Pretoria itself decides who to associate with and not the US. He reiterated that maintaining diplomatic ties with Russia is not wrong, as is the move to meddle in African affairs.
African Continent Not To Be Punished as Free Nations
Ramaphosa met with US President Joe Biden in the White House last Friday, intending to pressure South Africa through the Countering Malign Russian Activities in Africa Act, reported RT.
He clarified that the US now employs the act to achieve what it wants by force, significantly to drop Moscow; it is done regardless of whether Africa is harmed or disadvantaged by the west.
South Africa's leader stated that the nation has a long-held non-alignment policy with world powers; nevertheless, the US wants more to its advantage.
During their conference, both leaders exchanged words and did not talk about the Russia legislation, as outlined in the White House readout. During his visit, Ramaphosa met with the Congressional Black Caucus and again criticized the bill, according to Gen X Newz.
He continued stating that the South African president is worried about the repercussions for the African continent if the anti-Russian Bill becomes US law as Washington did to allegedly teach Pretoria and other African countries a lesson.
The US Must Not Impose Itself on Developing Nations
Furthermore, the South African continent is being punished for its efforts to push development and growth that should not be impeded by the US, citing Mass News.
According to the African leader, South Africa sees the United States and Russia as strategic partners, not just one. American lawmakers have no power to penalize a sovereign country that dares to disagree with the US administration.
Despite US policy claims, the bill will not reprimand any African country that chooses Russia over America, as National Security Council spokesman John Kirby wants them to think.
He says that the US is not forcing anyone to take the US side, which is evident in Ukraine or the Indo-Pacific. Although, recently, the US warned Pacific Island nations not to talk to China. Added the statement that the US will not penalize anyone, he said last Friday. Respect for sovereignty was at the top of them.
Russia To Give Free Fertilizers
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a large quantity of valuable compost is stuck in EU ports, intended for developing countries such as the poor African nations, mentioned Almayadeen on Friday.
Moscow informed us that 300,000 tons of fertilizer are intentionally held in ports due to sanctions, even though it is free and there is nothing to pay. Putin indicated at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan that he is discussing agricultural issues with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The supposed grains deal that was done with Kyiv and Istanbul is in trouble. The west has not fulfilled its part and is scathed for dishonoring the agreement.
President Ramaphosa warns as Washington wants to clamp down on Pretoria and other African nations for rebuffing the US and choosing Russia, which is giving away fertilizer.