“South Africa is aligned with Russia, India, Brazil, and China. In the context of this conflict, South Africa stands as an ally of Russia. South Africa claims to remain non-aligned in the war, but I would take it a step further. I would align with Russia and provide them with weapons. Russia is fighting against imperialism. Any agenda that opposes imperialism aligns with the EFF’s policies” – Julius Malema on BBC HardTalk (24.05.2023).
A man who usually tends to agree and be on the side of Julius Malema. Here I draw the line and says, “sorry brother, but you are wrong here”. The Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) leader and opposition figure has stances and is far from moderate. That is proven in his interview to the BBC. It isn’t shocking, but the way things are.
In this case his wrong. Russia has its own type of imperialism and ideals of supremacy. That’s why Kremlin wants to takeover and have control over all the former USSR republics. This is how it operates and why it doesn’t respect sovereign territories. It is like Malema never read any of the utterings of Dmitry Medvedev of the last two years. If he did… he would see Imperialism the Kremlin way.
Yes, I understand that the EFF is against imperialism and so do I. That’s why I am against any sort of imperialism. Not just the America, British, French or Chinese for that matter. No, I am against it all because it only leads to looting, destruction or death. There is nothing good coming out of imperialism and that we see in Ukraine today.
If Malema wants to be an ally of Russia. His accepting taking side of one imperial power. He is by definition accepting their ways of imperial dreams. As Putin and Kremlin wants to revive the Soviet hegemony and control of Eurasia. That isn’t directly including territories in Africa, but it surely is ceasing a lot of territories in Europe and Asia. Therefore, his fine with that sort of “colonization” and “annexation” of territories.
That’s why I call hypocrisy here. Yes, the Western Powers and the former colonial overlords of London, Paris and Brussels has a lot to answer for. Nevertheless, that doesn’t exonerate the Kremlin or Moscow. Russia and Russians must answer for their actions both now and in the past. Just like the collective West should answer for their actions too.
In the same interview Malema said this: “We should begin with George W. Bush, Tony Blair, and Barack Obama; only then can the ICC pursue Putin. Tony Blair admitted they were wrong about Saddam Hussein and offered an apology for their invasion of Iraq. Yet, millions were killed but the ICC never issued a warrant of arrest for him” (Malema, 24.05.2023).
I agree that Bush and Blair should stand trial, be tested in the ICC like any other war-lord. I don’t have anything on Barrack Obama, but I am sure there will be people who bat an eye at him too. However, Bush and Blair is a symbol of another ill and another type of imperialism. Which shouldn’t be dismissed, and I agree it is wrong.
Nevertheless, Malema cannot just target them and not look at what Putin is doing now. What Putin has been doing in other nations and how his armies has destroyed nations. It isn’t like Syria became better with Russian support. Not like Russia did Georgia any favours and now Ukraine is fighting for its own survival. Just because Putin wants to revive the Soviet state. That’s imperialism and should be called out.
We are seeing that Malema is cherry-picking. If he is dogmatic and morally obliged, he would see the whole picture. If he is blinded by the BRICS alliance he should say so. Because that is a fact too. Then his just as blind as the NATO alliances are as well. There is no difference there then.
Malema is wrong defending Russia now. He is defending Russian imperialism. If he stands up against imperialism. He should stand tall on them as well. Not only target Bush and Blair. No, there are plenty more fish in the sea. The seasoned politician should know that. Peace.
MinBane 