The South African government has expressed deep concern over the recent allegations made by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety. He had claimed that South Africa sold weapons to Russia without providing any evidence to support his claims.
In response, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) demarched the U.S. Ambassador and reprimanded him for his conduct, which DIRCO has described as “puzzling” and “at odds” with the cordial relationship that exists between the two countries.
Furthermore, DIRCO has welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to launch an independent inquiry, led by a retired judge, into the allegations of weapons sales to Russia. This process will allow for all the facts to be established and for any individuals found to have broken the law to face severe consequences.
South Africa’s process of selling arms to other countries is known globally for being one of the most stringent. It is managed by the National Convention Arms Control Committee (NCACC), which was created through an Act of Parliament, the National Conventional Arms Control Act 41 of 2002 (NCAC Act), and the Constitution.
DIRCO has called on the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria to use official diplomatic channels of communication for conveying any concerns or for seeking clarity on any misunderstandings that may arise in the bilateral relationship. In light of the apology made by Ambassador Brigety for his “crossed the line” conduct, DIRCO hopes that both countries can move forward with mutual respect and diplomatic decorum.
