Cape Town – A bipartisan group of American lawmakers has urged the Biden administration to punish South Africa for its alleged support of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The group of both US Democratic and Republican lawmakers has requested the relocation of a major trade conference, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum, from South Africa to another country.
AGOA provides duty-free access to the US trade market for several African nations, with South Africa being the largest beneficiary.
In a letter dated June 9 and addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Trade Representative Katherine Tai and National Security Advisor Jacob Sullivan, the lawmakers express concerns over South Africa’s growing relationship with Russia, which is seen as a threat to US national interests.
A report about the letter was first published in New York Times on Tuesday.
US officials have claimed that South Africa may have assisted Russia by supplying arms for the conflict, although South African officials deny these allegations.
“We are seriously concerned that hosting the 2023 AGOA Forum in South Africa would serve as an implicit endorsement of South Africa’s damaging support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and possible violation of US sanctions law.
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“Further, these actions by South Africa call into question its eligibility for trade benefits under AGOA due to the statutory requirement that beneficiary countries not engage in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests.
“While we understand that the AGOA eligibility review processfor 2024 is under way and that decisions have not yet been made, we question whether a country in danger of losing AGOA benefits should have the privilege of hosting the 2023 AGOA Forum.
“Our concerns are shared by many South African citizens and businesses, who are increasingly vocal about deteriorating conditions in the country,” reads the letter.
It continues: “We encourage you to explore other possible locations to host this year’s forum: we believe it is important that the forum take place this year and that it be held in Africa, continuing the tradition of alternating the forum’s location between the United States and an AGOA- eligible country. If South Africa continues to demonstrate support for Russiainits unlawfulinvasionofUkraine, then hosting the forum in another country in sub-Saharan Africa would send a clear and important message that the United States continues to stand with Ukraineandwillnot accept our trading partners provision of aid to Russia’songoingand brutal invasion
While lawmakers advocate for consequences, the Biden administration has taken a cautious approach, allowing President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the matter.
Losing access to AGOA would have significant economic repercussions for South Africa, which relies heavily on trade with the United States.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
