The US lawmakers are pointing to the country’s “deepening military relationship” with Russia as the main reason for the announcement. The summit is part of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Act program, which provides preferential access to the us market for some African countries, including south Africa.
In a letter to US secretary of state Antony Blinken and other senior officials, the lawmakers stated their concerns that hosting the summit in South Africa could be seen as an endorsement of the country’s ‘support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The lawmakers also noted south Africa’s hosting of joint naval operations with China and Russia in February, as well as plans to host a summit of BRICKS leaders invited by Russia despite being charged with war crimes by the international criminal court.
South African foreign ministry spokesman Clayson Monyela denied any decision by the state department or White House to move the summit from South Africa. It remains unclear whether the summit will be relocated or not. However, it is evident that US Africa trade relations are becoming increasingly strained due to south Africa’s ongoing activity with Russia.
