'Over Our Dead Bodies': Global South Mustn't Allow West to Extend Its Domination, SA Politician Says

There is a need to build a cohesive and powerful global movement that will serve as a steadfast bulwark against neo-colonial and imperialist forces, Dr. Alex Mashilo, a member of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the party's national spokesperson, told Sputnik Africa on Thursday.

"We expect an alternative world movement that will consolidate as time advances and becomes a powerful counterhegemonic force against neocolonial and imperialist forces, in order for us to set humanity free from all forms of oppression and exploitation," Mashilo shared on the sidelines of the Forum of Supporters of the Struggle Against Modern Practices of Neo-colonialism that kicked off in Moscow on Thursday.

The forum, themed "For the Freedom of Nations," opened Thursday in Moscow, marking the beginning of an event that will run through February 17 and include delegates from 50 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, China, North Korea and others, including some NATO members.

Delving into the multifaceted manifestations of neo-colonialism, Dr. Mashilo elucidated on the insidious role of information and media platforms in perpetuating imperialist agendas.

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He highlighted how Internet search engines, controlled by dominant Western powers, wield influence over the dissemination of information, often distorting reality and stifling access to diverse perspectives.

"For example, they will deprive you of access to original sources of information, such as what Russia is saying. And when you do an Internet search engine, depending on the territory you are doing that from, the results you will receive are predominantly Western European and American internet search engine results. What do those results do? They push an imperialist agenda and want you to believe it," the South African politician explained.

Amidst the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape toward the global South, Dr. Mashilo underscored the fierce resistance encountered by emerging voices seeking to redefine the established order.

"The shift that is taking place is not uncontested. It is severely contested and those who contest it, mainly from Western Europe and North America, actually do not want it to take place because they want to conserve their hegemony," the SACP representative said.

Through stringent regulations and barriers, these forces aim to maintain their grip on the abundant resources of the Global South, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and subjugation, he argued.

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Mashilo added that the West "achieved development by underdeveloping Global South countries, and they wouldn't let go." One form of neo-colonialism is the involvement in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

The South African politician highlighted the continuous interference of the United States in the internal affairs of his country.

Dr. Mashilo recalled recent incidents of such interference. He mentioned how last year the US ambassador to South Africa conveying a press conference to accuse Pretoria of supporting Moscow with arms during the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. According to the politician, that "was part of the manipulations to exert pressure" on South Africa to change its neutral stance on the conflict.

He also highlighted Washington's annoyance with South Africa for "referring the genocide of Israel on the Palestinians to the International Court of Justice."

"So interference in domestic affairs from the United States takes place in various ways. There are United States national laws whose applications extend to other countries. We are opposed to that imperialist offensive, and we will not relent in our efforts to achieve and secure our freedom. We come from far away in the struggle for national liberation. We will not allow the United States to extend its domination upon us. Over our dead bodies."