In South Africa, sympathy for Russia during its conflict with Ukraine is rooted in historical ties dating back to the Cold War, exemplified by figures like Sue Dobson. Many African nations maintain a neutral stance towards Russia due to its legacy of supporting anti-colonial movements. Despite accusations of atrocities, Russia’s anti-colonial narrative finds acceptance among some political elites and grassroots activists, reflecting longstanding connections and shared historical sentiments.
In South Africa, an increasing sentiment of sympathy toward Russia during its current conflicts can be traced back to the historical ties formed during the Cold War. Notably, individuals such as Sue Dobson, who were involved in the anti-apartheid movement, received training in Moscow, highlighting the longstanding connection between the two. As Dobson recounted her experience in Moscow, she reflected on the intensive training she undertook and the beauty of Leningrad during her visit.
When discussing Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Dobson acknowledged her lack of knowledge about the nuanced political situation. Although Western nations typically denounce Russia’s actions, many African states have exhibited support or neutrality; in 2022, only half of Africa’s governments condemned Russia at the United Nations. This tendency is reportedly rooted in Russia’s historical advocacy for anti-imperialist causes.
Historically, Russia’s support for Africa can be linked back to the 19th century, specifically during the Italo-Ethiopian War, where it provided aid to Ethiopian forces against Italian colonization. Yet, scholars argue that the magnitude of Russia’s involvement has often been overstated, citing historical figures such as Nikolai Leontiev, whose accounts may have misrepresented Russia’s role in Ethiopian victory.
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union supported various African nations resisting Western-backed factions in conflicts across the continent, including Angola and Mozambique. Historian Kimberly St Julian-Varnon emphasized that these actions were part of a broader strategy to counter Western influence and establish socialism as an alternative model for governance and society in newly independent states.
The Soviet influence extended through educational opportunities, exemplified by Patrice Lumumba University, where many African students received scholarships. Nonetheless, incidents of racism within the USSR complicate this legacy, as exhibited by the violent death of Ghanaian student Edmund Assare-Addo in 1963. Despite these challenges, many African students continued to pursue education in the USSR, recognizing the potential benefits.
The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, preserved a cautious stance towards Russia due to its historical ties, as many members had links to Soviet support during the anti-apartheid struggle. Dobson reflected on the respect the ANC holds for the USSR’s past assistance, noting, “I think that it’s something that is quite respected and honoured.”
Grassroots support for Russia can also be seen in South Africa, where pro-Russian sentiments are emerging at a community level. Events have witnessed displays of Russian flags, symbolizing the broader acceptance of Russia’s anti-colonial stance by several African nations. Moscow’s debt forgiveness and military involvement in places like Mali contribute to its appeal as an ally, despite serious accusations of human rights violations.
As noted by historian Oleksandr Polianichev, Russia’s narrative operates successfully within various political frameworks: “The appeal of Russia’s ‘anti-colonial’ narrative lies in its usefulness to societies and ruling elites across Eurasia and beyond…” This strategic positioning allows Russia to maintain and potentially exploit its historical narratives as needed.
In conclusion, the historical connections between South Africa and Russia, deeply rooted in Cold War alliances and anti-colonial sentiments, significantly influence contemporary public opinion regarding Russia’s actions. Despite the complexity surrounding Russia’s current geopolitical stance, many in Africa continue to resonate with its anti-imperialist narrative, shaped by historical context. Furthermore, the ANC’s cautious diplomacy and grassroots support for Russia underscore the prevailing influence of past alliances that continue to inform political allegiance today.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
