Since 1994 after the end of apartheid, South Africa’s foreign policy has been decidedly robust, developmental, and principled without being isolationist. Described as a “middle-ranked power in Africa”, South Africa has been able to “punch above its weight” to possibly “influence world affairs”. This is apparent in the way SA manages its complex relationships with opposing world powers such as USA, China, and Russia even as it continues to take bold decisions in respect of Ukraine-Russia and Israel-
On the contrary, South Africa’s former benefactor and big brother, Nigeria is taking either baby steps or none on these issues. In the 70s and 80s, Nigeria’s foreign policy focus was easily discernible. Our forebears set a standard right from independence and even helped found Organisations of African Unity (OAU) and Non-Aligned Movement.
Nigeria’s foreign policy during Murtala/Obasanjo regime was assertive and Afro-centric; it was dedicated to the total emancipation of Africa; Nigeria galvanized political, financial, and
Their (Murtala/Obasanjo) time was generally perceived as the golden era of Nigeria’s foreign policy. The country started wobbling when the political class started
Having suffered apartheid and racial discrimination, SA acquired a moral authority to advocate for international world order. And it seems to be doing relatively well
No doubt, there has been mutual suspicion between the US and SA over the latter’s position. On the first anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war, SA hosted Russian and Chinese navies perform drills off the coast of SA, which it explained away thus: “all countries conduct military drills with friends worldwide”. Yet in another drift, SA is said to be“actively non-aligned” and refused to join Western coalition against Russia. South Africa has also abstained from all UNGA resolutions in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and
Despite its subtle support for Russia, in June 2022, SA initiated and led a seven-nation African delegation peace mission to both Ukraine and Russia, in yet another show of impartiality and leadership.This trip was undertaken without Nigeria’s imputes or being part of. This again strategically places SA as a decisive voice in Africa, whereas Nigeria is neither here nor there in a poor rendition of diplomacy and smacks of rudderless leadership.
In a recent conversation with Arise TV on the Gaza issue versus SA’s proactive stance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf
South Africa recently called the bluff of US by allowing China tech giant, Huawei into SA, which always extends a hand of fellowship to US’s traditional enemies, but still does not antagonize the US and its allies. For example, SA trades with both China and Russia but its exports to the US under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) stands at 11%. Isn’t this how to cleverly play world politics, just like the US does all over the world?
With regards to the ongoing annihilation of Palestine by Israel after
The world waits anxiously in the hope that the ICJ case will deter Israel from further
Their principled stand in the liberation struggles is also in recognition of leadership and responsibility, and not the privilege of number and size that Nigeria glows in. Surely Nigeria needs to do more to claim its rightful place in the committee of nations instead of shamelessly burying its head in the sand as it is currently.
Let me end this piece with a scholarly write up written by Christopher S. Chivvis, Zainab Usman and Beatrix Geagan-Breiner titled South Africa in the Emerging World. “With Africa’s most industrialized economy, natural resource endowments, investments in other African countries, and diplomatic clout, South Africa is a clear leader on the continent”. Such is the niche South Africa has carved out for itself. And at the appropriate time, and in the race for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council for Africa, SA’s efforts and shuttle diplomacy may count for good for the rainbow nation.
Zainab Suleiman Okino is a syndicated columnist and can be reached via zainabokino@gmail.com
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