DA Distances Itself from President Ramaphosa’s Praise of Russia

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has distanced itself from recent remarks made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in which he described Russia as a “valuable ally and friend” during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As a prominent partner in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA firmly stated that it does not share the President’s sentiment.

The DA emphasized that it does not view Russia, nor its leader Vladimir Putin, as allies of South Africa. In a strongly worded statement, the party said, “We cannot and will not agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime, currently violating international law by waging an imperialist war of aggression against a sovereign state, as an ally.”

The DA’s stance underscores the growing tension over South Africa’s foreign policy alignment, particularly regarding Russia’s controversial role in global affairs.