![]() A new bill is expected to come before Congress to designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, which would have profound implications for Russia’s partners like South Africa.ĭean Macpherson, Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, said the opposition party is deeply concerned about resolution HR145 as “a result of the South African government’s decision to hold joint military exercises with the Russian Federation and its refusal to condemn Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in the UN General Assembly. But, sources told Daily Maverick that the resolution shows the US believes South Africa is no longer non-aligned and has chosen Russia’s side. It is unlikely that Resolution HR145 will pass, especially as it has been sponsored by junior representatives who have little influence in the House of Representatives. HR145 “opposes South Africa’s decision to host military exercises with the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation from February 17 to Februcalls on the Government of South Africa to - cancel all future military exercises with the People’s Republic of China and Russia and rejoin United States-led exercises, such as the Cutlass Express respect the United Nations charter and publicly oppose Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine strengthen its political resilience to reject the Chinese Communist Party’s authoritarian vision for South Africa and maintain its national sovereignty by reducing its reliance on Chinese companies in key sectors such as information and communication technology,” amongst others. These resolutions will simply more firm stance by the South African government on its current position, and it will not in any way, redirect its position more inclined to what the United States wants.” ![]() ![]() Herein lies the problem for the United States. Opperman said, “Sadly, though, it’s prescriptive nature. What is more, from her perspective, the Resolution reads as though the US is trying to strong-arm South Africa. HR145’s “document reads more like an act of desperation and act of coercion trying to redirect South Africa’s position towards Ukraine and South Africa’s position towards Russia,” said Jasmine Opperman, an independent security expert on Africa. The introduction of HR145, shows some Republican lawmakers hold a different view, standing for their constituents. Our goal remains focused on supporting African-led solutions to these transnational maritime issues.” We also consciously do not put our partners in the position to choose between the United States and other nations when determining the best way to protect their territorial waters or maritime interests. However, we understand that each of our partners must balance their own long-planned schedules when considering the timing of participation. Patrick told defenceWeb, “We cannot comment on any nation’s decision to participate. “Invitations to participate in exercises Obangame Express 23 and Cutlass Express 23 were extended to South Africa,” Rear Admiral Chase Patrick, director of Maritime Headquarters at US Naval Forces Europe-Africa, at the US Sixth Fleet confirmed. That South Africa decided to go ahead with the exercise has caused a storm of controversy, especially as South Africa has declined some US-led exercises. No legislator from the Democratic Party has yet shown support for the Bill.Ĭhina, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States all have a history with South Africa which date back decades and have resulted in numerous land, sea and air exercises, but none has been as controversial as Mosi II, as it coincided with the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. ![]() It has five additional Republican lawmakers who are also backing the Bill Representatives Christopher H Smith, of New Jersey, Thomas H Kean, of New Jersey, Cory Mills, of Florida, James R Baird, of Indiana, and Young Kim, of California. It is sponsored by the Republican Congressman, John James. The progress this legislation has made, so far, in moving through the legislative process, is that it has been introduced and has now been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Bill is “Opposing the Republic of South Africa’s hosting of military exercises with the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation and calling on the Biden administration to conduct a thorough review of the United States-South Africa relationship.” The Bill – House Resolution 145 (referred to as HR145) - in the 118th Congress, denounces South Africa’s naval Exercise Mosi II with China and Russia. On 21 February, a new piece of legislation was introduced in the United States Congress - in the House of Representatives - by Representative John James, a Congressman from the state of Michigan, which, if passed, would make the US mandated to take a stand against South Africa. The launch of Exercise Mosi II in Richards Bay. ![]()
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