Description: South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe announced plans to allow Russia or Iran to participate in a procurement process which would entail the continued development of the country’s civilian nuclear capabilities. He reaffirmed the South Africa’s position not to exclude countries such as Russia or Iran in case their offer was deemed as the most convenient. The announcement comes at a sensitive time, as US President Trump halted aid for the country and accused the sitting government of secret cooperation with Iran mostly regarding development of nuclear capabilities. Previously South Africa aimed at reinvigorating the Section 123 agreement, which enabled US – made nuclear fuel for development of South African civilian capacities.
Impact: The aftermath of Trump’s unilateral conditioning foreign policy is starting to take shape in South Africa. Despite longstanding bilateral relations with the US, South Africa would aim to diversify its foreign policy and prioritize economic benefits possibly allowing Russia and Iran to be involved in future investments related to the development of its civilian nuclear sector. Russia has recently expanded its footprint on the African continent as reimbursement for losses suffered in Syria and would aim to enlarge influence as the reestablishment of relations with the US in any shape or form is almost certain.