U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Forced To Withdraw Allegations It Supplied Weapons to Russia

May 13, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—The U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety has “apologized unreservedly” for comments he made May 11 about an alleged shipment of arms being delivered to Russia from a South African port. South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor had complained about Brigety’s “megaphone diplomacy” saying that South Africa could “not be bullied by the United States.” After Brigety had accused South Africa on May 11 of having shipped munitions to Russia, Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor summoned Brigety to her office to deliver an official démarche protesting his undiplomatic and arrogant behavior.

Writing on social media after meeting Mrs. Pandor, Brigety said he was “grateful for the opportunity to ... correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks,” and that he “re-affirmed the strong partnership between our two countries and the important agenda our presidents have given us.” Brigety had also made comments about how the ruling ANC was anti-American, which also did not go well with the South African leadership.

It is not known, if German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a turnaround, after jumping in to support Brigety’s false weapons claim.