EFF Leader Julius Malema
By Thabo Mosia
In an exclusive interview with RT, Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), criticised the United States and its allies for their role in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. Speaking with journalist Athi Mtongana, Malema described the war as a “proxy war” orchestrated by the “imperialist” West against Russia and expressed strong support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions.
Malema labelled recent U.S. authorisation of long-range missiles for Ukraine as a clear “declaration of war” on Russia. “It’s not Ukraine’s war, it’s America’s war. Let’s call things by their proper names,” Malema stated. He reiterated his belief that the conflict stems from the United States and NATO’s pursuit of territorial expansion, which he claimed threatens Russia’s sovereignty.
Criticism of Western Imperialism
Malema argued that the war in Ukraine exemplifies the broader issue of Western imperialism. According to him, the United States and the European Union have consistently sought to impose their influence on sovereign nations like Russia. “What Putin is fighting for is justifiable. Anyone who is being pursued by the imperialist forces is in alliance with the progressive forces in the entire world,” Malema told RT.
The EFF leader pointed to NATO’s expansion as a direct provocation, stating that it leaves countries like Russia with little choice but to defend their sovereignty. “He can’t have America and the EU wanting to expand their territory to the point where they breathe down Putin’s neck,” Malema said, describing Russia’s military operation in Ukraine as an act of self-defence.
US Foreign Policy Under Fire
Malema was unrelenting in his critique of American foreign policy, accusing the U.S. of using culture, media, and military power to push its agenda. “America has got no respect for international law. They have always behaved like a big brother – anything that is not in the interest of what they stand for has got to go,” he stated.
He contrasted this with what he called Russia’s measured response, asserting that President Putin has taken a long-term, diplomatic approach to address the crisis. However, Malema argued that Western powers remain uninterested in peaceful solutions. “Ukraine is such a small country that it cannot possibly put up a fight against Russia without the support of NATO and America,” he said.
A Call for Multipolarity
Malema used the interview to advocate for a multipolar world, where no single country holds overwhelming power over global affairs. He hailed platforms like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as critical to achieving this vision. “The world is becoming a multipolar type of world, where if certain markets close, others will open,” Malema said, highlighting BRICS as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.
He also spoke about the potential for an alternative global currency to counter the dominance of the U.S. dollar, a concept under discussion within BRICS. “BRICS is an exciting development which we fully support. It provides a platform where countries can trade and collaborate without being dictated to by the West,” he added.
Media as a Battlefield
Malema reserved special praise for alternative media platforms like RT, which he said provide a necessary counterbalance to Western narratives. “The alternative media gives us the correct information that we can critically analyse,” he stated. Malema criticised the banning of RT in South Africa, calling it an attempt by Western powers to control the narrative on global conflicts like Ukraine.
He credited platforms like RT with helping South Africans better understand global events, declaring, “We are with Russia.”
Double Standards and International Law
In discussing the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malema accused Western nations of hypocrisy. He noted the ICC’s arrest warrant for Putin while ignoring allegations of war crimes against leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Putin hasn’t committed serious crimes compared to what Netanyahu has done – bombing schools, hospitals, and killing children,” Malema said.
The EFF leader questioned why the ICC’s rulings are inconsistently enforced, adding that South Africa should arrest Netanyahu if he sets foot in the country. “Russia is our friend, and Russia has committed no crimes against us. Netanyahu, on the other hand, must be held accountable for his actions,” he stated.
Africa’s Role in Global Politics
Malema called for African nations to take a stronger stand on the global stage. He emphasised the importance of electing leaders who prioritise Africa’s interests, particularly in advocating for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. “Africa must stop electing puppets. We need leaders who will challenge the status quo,” Malema asserted.
He highlighted Africa’s vast natural resources as a foundation for economic independence, stating, “Imagine what our minerals can do for us if we nationalise them and use them to trade amongst ourselves.”
Sanctions and Economic Independence
When asked about potential Western sanctions against South Africa for aligning with Russia, Malema dismissed these concerns, citing Russia’s resilience under similar circumstances. “The Russian economy grew under sanctions. We can trade with BRICS countries and develop alternative markets,” he explained.
Malema stressed the need to strengthen the BRICS Bank as a counterweight to Western financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which he accused of imposing policies that hinder Africa’s development.
The Threat of Nuclear War
Addressing the risk of nuclear escalation, Malema criticised the U.S. for its “reckless” approach to Russia. He warned that actions like the deployment of ballistic missiles in Poland and the provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine could lead to catastrophic consequences. “Every move must be calculated because you can trigger a nuclear war, and no one wants that,” he said.
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