Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Peter Fabricius
Published on 2024-02-22 20:27:38
Over the past weekend, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula attended the first “international inter-party forum against modern neo-colonialist practices” in Moscow, organized by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party. Attended by 400 delegates from over 50 countries, the forum sparked controversy over the ANC’s unwavering support for Russia, despite the suspicion surrounding the death of Putin’s arch-critic, Alexei Navalny.
When ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula posted on X from Russia during the forum, he stated, “From Russia the meeting of minds the new world order in motion.” This statement raised eyebrows as Mbalula made no mention of Navalny’s suspicious death, nor did he call for an investigation. Instead, he pledged South Africa’s unwavering loyalty to Russia. In defiance of the implications of Russia’s association with Navalny’s death, Mbalula affirmed the ANC’s allegiance to Russia, saying that they would “never abandon” them.
Mbalula’s proclamation of South Africa’s commitment to Russia has sparked backlash, particularly among Western diplomats in Pretoria. The ANC’s support for Putin’s United Russia Party has caused consternation, given the party’s associations with fascist and conservative policies, which starkly contrast the ideals typically associated with left-wing parties such as the ANC. The United Russia Party has embraced policies aligned with Russian conservatism and has supported right-wing political parties in Europe, further complicating the ANC’s association with the party.
Several analysts have questioned the ANC’s blind allegiance to the United Russia Party, criticizing their support for a regime that contradicts the party’s purported socialist ideologies. Irina Filatova, a Russian expert, highlighted that the ANC’s support for United Russia stems from their shared “anti-Western, anti-colonial” agenda. However, others argue that these statements serve as a propaganda exercise to traffic in Soviet-era rhetoric.
The United Russia Party is largely seen as a party of power that serves Putin’s ambitions, rather than a party with a clearly defined ideology. The party’s flexible alliances with both right-wing and left-wing parties worldwide have drawn scrutiny. While the party maintains firm conservative policies, it leverages anti-Western and multipolar ideologies to strengthen international relations, particularly in countries like South Africa. This strategic approach has allowed the United Russia Party to engage in direct dialogue with parties like the ANC while maintaining associations with both right and left-wing parties from around the world.
Ultimately, the ANC’s declaration of allegiance to Russia and the United Russia Party raises questions about the party’s commitment to its socialist principles and ideology. As they align themselves with a party that contradicts their supposed ideals, the ANC faces criticism for their unwavering support for Russia, despite the controversy surrounding Navalny’s suspicious death. Nevertheless, the ANC continues to stand by their alliance with Russia, furthering the debate over the party’s ideological alignment and its established global partnerships.
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