Staff Reporter.
New research has revealed that more than 60% of a random sample of South Africans over the age of 18 think Russia is guilty of war crimes in Ukraine.
The research company conducted a random survey among individuals between the age of 18 and above in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia.
Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine in February last year.
Up until now there has been no direct negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky to bring an end to hostilities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has always maintained that the South African government believes the conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations.
The survey was conducted ahead of the Africa Peace Mission to Kyiv and Moscow by Ramaphosa and other African heads of state.
It also comes ahead of the upcoming Russia- Africa Summit in July and the BRICS Summit in South Africa in August.
Eighteen percent of South Africans polled said South Africa should support Russia, while 23% said it should support Ukraine.
It also found that 44% of South Africans, 38% of Nigerians and 37% of Ugandans agreed that Russia is not the aggressor in this war.
This while 43% of South Africans, 36% of Nigerians and 23% of people from Senegal agreed that it makes sense for their countries to support Russia for historic reasons.
On international law sentiments, 56% of South Africans agreed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is against the principles of international law.
Although Ramaphosa has always maintained that the South African government believes the conflict can be resolved through peaceful negotiations,51% of South Africans said the government should care about Russia’s occupation of parts of Ukraine and should insist on the withdrawal of the Russian forces.
Another 56% said all African countries should not take sides in this war, a statement that was supported by 59% of Zambians, 66% of Kenyan nationals, 49% of Ugandans, 49% of Nigerians and 46% of Senegalese.
Half of the South Africans polled agreed that Africa cannot afford to remain neutral in the war.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.