In a bold assertion of solidarity, the Secretary-General of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Marshall Dlamini, expressed the party’s unwavering support for Russia amidst its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
In an exclusive interview conducted against the backdrop of intensified bombardment on Russian soil, Dlamini framed Russia’s actions as a justified defence against what he termed ‘NATO aggression’.
Dlamini’s statement resonates deeply with the party’s ideological framework, where the EFF envisions itself as a champion for the oppressed.
“We want President Putin not to compromise on protecting Russians against NATO-sponsored aggression,” he stated, reflecting a sentiment that seeks to reframe the conflict not merely as a geopolitical clash, but as a righteous defence against imperialist threats.
He articulated a sentiment of admiration for Russia, citing its ‘resilience and determination’ in standing firm against what he described as modern-day imperialism.
This perspective paints Russia not just as a belligerent, but as a bastion against the encroachment of NATO, which he claims poses an existential threat to its sovereignty.
“There is nothing wrong with Russia preventing the imperialist expansion of NATO,” Dlamini asserted, drawing parallels between the current crisis and historical interventions in the African continent that have contributed to instability.
He pointed to past Western interventions in Libya and recent unrest in Western Africa as examples of imperialistic ambitions that have led to disastrous outcomes.
Thus, Dlamini urged regional leaders in West Africa — specifically in nations such as Burkina Faso and Mali — to mirror Russia’s assertiveness in defending their territories against neo-colonial forces.
“Russia must return fire with fire,” he insisted, suggesting that mere words in defence of peace cannot suffice in a world where historical abuses underpin the power structures of Western countries today.
Dlamini further remarked on the isolation of Russian citizens by Western nations, standing firm in the belief that the Russian Federation is within its rights to avert what he sees as a clear security threat posed by NATO forces, particularly those from the US.
Taking a broader socio-political perspective, Dlamini lamented the current political landscape in South Africa, where he perceives a regression from the democratic gains of 1994.
“Apartheid apologists are back in through the GNU,” he claimed, signalling his concerns about the governance of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) influence over pivotal portfolio sectors.
Moreover, Dlamini took a stab at recent international conferences, particularly the Global Democracy conference, which he claimed served as little more than a public relations exercise for the US.
He commended the Tutu Foundation for their decision to boycott the event, illustrating the EFF's position on international solidarity movements.
“The conference was a PR exercise for the US,” he said, raising questions about transparency among its organisers regarding their funders.
In ending, Dlamini reaffirmed the EFF's commitment to the struggles of oppressed peoples globally, invoking its past actions in supporting issues from the Palestinian cause to their domestic political agendas.
His rhetoric encapsulates a party ethos that seeks to align with international struggles against perceived imperialism, drawing a firm line between oppressor and oppressed.
The Star