S Africa army chief visits Moscow in wake of US weapons claim

Russian, Chinese and military officials from other countries attend a South African Armed Forces Day parade in Richards Bay, South Africa, in February, 2023 [File: Rogan Ward/Reuters]

The commander of South Africa’s ground forces has visited Moscow for talks with Russian counterparts just days after Washington accused South Africa of secretly providing arms to Russia.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said on Monday that the meeting was “planned well in advance” as part of “a long-standing arrangement” and was a “goodwill visit” at the invitation of the Russian army.