South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has formed a panel to probe US allegations of a Russian ship docking at a Cape Town naval base last year for weapon transfers. This announcement was made in a statement released on Sunday, May 28.
According to an official press release, the President has made the decision to initiate an inquiry in light of the gravity of the allegations, the considerable public interest surrounding the matter, and the potential impact it could have on South Africa’s international relations.
US Ambassador Backs Allegations of Russian Ship in South Africa
Although South Africa has denied the allegations, US Ambassador Reuben Brigety stated on May 11th that he had confidence in the claim that a Russian vessel arrived at a military port in Simonstown, Western Cape, in December of the previous year and loaded weapons from South Africa.
The allegations have raised doubts about South Africa’s neutral position regarding the Ukraine crisis and have resulted in a diplomatic dispute involving the country, the US, and Russia.
Despite asserting its impartiality, South Africa has consistently voted against anti-war resolutions at the United Nations.
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Panel Appointed to Oversee Inquiry
President Ramaphosa reportedly established the investigation due to the seriousness of the allegations, public interest, and the potential impact on South Africa’s foreign relations.
The panel, consisting of Judge Phineas Mojapelo, former evidence leader Advocate Leah Gcabashe, and former deputy minister Enver Surty, has been appointed to oversee the inquiry.
The panel has been granted a period of six weeks to conclude its investigation.
The panel’s mandate includes identifying individuals who were aware of the presence of the cargo ship, determining the nature of the goods that were loaded and unloaded, and examining whether constitutional, legal, or other obligations were adhered to in relation to the arrival of the cargo ship.
Following the completion of the investigation, a final report is expected to be submitted to President Ramaphosa within two weeks.
The President’s statement indicates that the panel is expected to finalize its investigation within six weeks of its appointment and deliver the report to the President within two weeks of concluding its work. The panel may request an extension if necessary.
If the investigation proceeds according to schedule, the report might be presented to the President prior to the BRICs Summit in South Africa, scheduled for August. The summit, which includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, is another political event that could potentially affect the value of the rand currency.
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