After the Second World War, "there has been endless encroachment closer to Russia, resulting in what we see," according to Prof. David Monyae, Director of Centre for Africa-China Studies and Confucius Institute at University of Johannesburg.
"We also see propaganda waged against Russia, undermining its norms and values in a way that in itself is very aggressive. And I think we see this expansion of NATO not just on Russia's side, even in other countries. [...] We in Africa also see the encroachment of NATO," the expert says.
Professor Monyae recalled NATO's involvement in "the bombardment of Libya," "the bombardment of Syria," and "movements against China."
It's well articulated within the West as this global NATO operating outside well-agreed structures of global governance, such as the United Nations, and NATO in itself playing a role as if it is the United Nations," Prof. Monyae underlines.
The 2024 Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, held on June 15-16, is "a way of mobilizing the international community against Russia."
"It had nothing to do with peace, and that in itself was consolidated and reinforced by the G7 in Italy, that pushes on condemning Russia and not opening a window of opportunity, as President Putin has done, to ensure that differences between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO are narrowed," the professor explains.
Observing existing trends coming from NATO and Kiev, peace is a long way off, Prof. Monaye believes.
"As it stands, it doesn't appear that we're going to see peace any time soon, given the kind of opposition and the kind of views held by NATO as well as the Ukrainian leadership," Monyae states.
To hear what else the expert had to say, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
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