South Africa to hold military drills with Russia, China

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South Africa to hold military drills with Russia, China

4:35 CAT | 19 Jan 2023

SA Navy MRS camp on Naval Island, Richards Bay during a previous Exercise Oxide. Photo with acknowledgement to the Zululand Observer. [Photo: Defence Web]

South Africa’s military has announced it will next month hold joint military drills with Russia and China off its coast.

The drills will run for 10 days from 17 February to 27 February in the port city of Durban and Richards Bay.

The aim is sharing operational skills and knowledge, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said.

South Africa was among African countries that abstained from taking sides in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country assumed the chairmanship of the Brics group of nations – which brings together Brazil, Russia, India and China – last month.

This will be the second time such a military drill is taking place. The first was held in November 2019 in Cape Town.

“This year’s exercise will see over 350 SANDF personnel from various arms of services and divisions participating,” said SANDF.

The SA National Defence Force || Media Statement || Thursday, 19 January 2023 || SA to host the People’s Liberation Army Navy from China and Russian Federal Navy during the Multilateral Maritime Exercises over period 17 to 27 February 2023.#SANDF #DCCMediaLiaison #SANavy pic.twitter.com/QiDU2rBalF

— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) January 19, 2023

Mosi, the second tri-nation naval exercise to be held in South African waters with Chinese and Russian participation, is going ahead in five weeks’ time despite criticism

The Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) issued a statement in the name of Brigadier General Andries Mahapa, stating that: “As means to strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China, a multinational maritime exercise between these three countries termed Exercise Mosi will take place in Durban and Richards Bay areas of KwaZulu-Natal province over the period 17 to 27 February 2023”.

It reads in full: “This will be the second time such an exercise is taking place involving the three naval forces with the first one held in November 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa.

“Exercise co-ordinators have concluded all necessary co-ordination and preparation arrangements for this exercise during virtual planning conferences held in the beginning of December 2022.

“This year’s Exercise Mosi will see over 350 SANDF personnel from various arms of service and divisions participating alongside the Russian and Chinese counterparts with an aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge.

“While Exercise Mosi will be conducted in the southern oceans over the said period, it will coincide with the Armed Forces Day celebration that will take place at uMhlathuze Municipality in Richards Bay, east of Kwa-Zulu Natal province.”

Armed Forces Day will take place on 21 February.

South Africa’s decision to proceed with Mosi has drawn criticism in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and South Africa’s refusal to condemn the invasion. The government has also received flak for allowing a sanctioned Russian vessel to dock in Simons Town.

“This gives the impression of not being neutral but being biased to one side. Clearly it can alienate us from other important trade partners, the west,” said Kobus Marais, Democratic Alliance shadow defence minister. He added that the exercise was in the best interest of Russia and “another bad judgment, an embarrassment,” on South Africa’s behalf.

Source: BBC / Defence Web