Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's third-largest opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has made a statement indicating his readiness to supply the Russian Federation with weapons in its fight against the West.

In an interview with the BBC in Johannesburg, Malema stated that despite the South African government's stance on non-alignment, he considers South Africa to be an ally of Russia. He argued that the country is currently engaged in a war against imperialism.

Malema, speaking to HARDtalk's Stephen Sackur, expressed his intention to go beyond mere friendship with Russia. He affirmed that in times of war, he would align himself with Russia and even provide weapons support.

Additionally, Malema is advocating for South Africa's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). He asserted his determination to prevent the execution of an arrest warrant issued by the ICC against President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of war crimes, should Putin attend the BRICS summit in Cape Town in June.

It is worth noting that on Thursday, May 11, 2023, the US ambassador to South Africa accused the country of delivering arms and ammunition to a Russian cargo vessel that was under sanctions in December 2022. The South African government, however, has denied any involvement in such an act.

ABJ/YNA