Russia’s Historical Narrative Influences Public Opinion in South Africa
Russia’s self-proclaimed ‘anti-colonial’ narrative resonates in South Africa, stemming from historical support during the Cold War. This article explores the deep-rooted connections, illustrated by Sue Dobson’s experience, as well as contemporary implications for diplomatic relations and grassroots sentiments towards Russia, amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In South Africa, the historical narrative of Russia portraying itself as an ‘anti-colonial’ ally resonates deeply, tracing back to the Cold War and beyond. This sentiment is exemplified by individuals such as Sue Dobson, a former spy for the African National Congress (ANC), who received specialized training in Moscow during Apartheid. While many Western nations have condemned Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, only a fraction of African governments joined this condemnation, highlighting the complex ties between Russia and Africa rooted in the fight against colonization.
Many Africans recall Russia’s historical involvement in supporting anti-imperialist movements, evidenced during the 19th century when it supported Ethiopian resistance against Italian colonization. Despite claims of significant Russian contributions to the Ethiopian struggle, scholars argue that the actual assistance was limited and often arrived too late. Russian imperialist aspirations in Africa were tempered by naval limitations, and efforts were frequently thwarted, such as the ill-fated Cossack landing in Djibouti.
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union provided essential support to various African governments, including Angola and Mozambique, often in direct opposition to Western-backed factions. Incidences like the Soviet Alliance with Egypt under Nasser demonstrate ideological and strategic motives to promote socialism and combat Western influence. This support also included providing educational opportunities, such as the establishment of Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow, which offered African students various scholarships, despite reported incidents of racism.
The ANC, which now governs South Africa, still acknowledges the Soviet Union’s historical contributions, especially in the liberation struggle, as many of its members received training in the USSR. Current government attitudes towards Russia reflect this legacy, as it carefully navigates diplomatic relations without condemning the country outright. This reluctance to criticize Russia is symptomatic of the enduring respect for its historical aid in the anti-apartheid struggle.
At the grassroots level, pro-Russian sentiments are growing, as seen during recent counter-demonstrations by Russian supporters in South Africa. Moscow’s geopolitical strategy further finds favor in Africa, where it has forgiven debts and provided security assistance, notably in Mali and the Central African Republic. The appeal of Russia’s ‘anti-colonial’ narrative continues as it aligns with the political interests of various ruling elites who often view the West with suspicion. This juxtaposition reflects the complexity of historical relationships and the strategic calculus involved in contemporary international relations.
The enduring sympathy for Russia in South Africa can be primarily attributed to historical ties formed during the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid movements. The narratives constructed around Russia’s past support for liberation struggles continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse, influencing both governmental policies and grassroots sentiments. While only a portion of African nations condemned Russian aggression, the complex interplay of historical association and current political interests underscores the ongoing relevance of Russia’s ‘anti-colonial’ narrative in shaping perceptions on the continent.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
