Friday, June 16, 2023

President Ramaphosa's security team hits a snag in Poland

Part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s security team has hit a snag in Poland, amid allegations of racism.

Ramaphosa headed to Ukraine and Russia to participate in an African leader's peace mission over the war in the region. While Ramaphosa's travel to Kijv did not encounter problems, part of his team was travelling by charter plane and was meant to meet him upon arrival.

COURTESY - Twitter @PresidencyZA:  African leaders on a peace mission to Russia


However, the security team's plane, alongside, a group of South African journalists also on board, has been left stranded at the airport in Poland.

Speaking in Warsaw, Major General Wally Rhoode, the head of Ramaphosa's security team, said the South African government obtained all the necessary permits and has been engaging with the Polish government for two weeks over the visit.

“They say we do not have permits, however we do have permits, the embassy here made copies of the original permits because they thought it won’t be necessary to have originals. All of a sudden we must have originals, they are delaying us.’’

While he couldn’t divulge much about the security of President Ramaphosa in Kyiv Rhoode said “the President is being secured”.

He says a female member of their team was allegedly strip-searched - something Rhoode says is unheard of for someone on a diplomatic passport - and the group opted to re-load their cargo onto their plane, amid fears that their weapons might be confiscated.

Poland shares borders with both Ukraine and Russia.

Ramaphosa, together with other African heads of state, will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy this weekend.

Giving an update, Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says government are talks with Poland authorities to resolve the issue.

‘’The President arrived in Kyiv safely by train… I would like to assure all South Africans that there are no compromise whatsoever to the Presidents safety to the impasse of the charter flight to the Presidential Protection Services Team and the media.

‘’We acknowledge the regrettable nature of that incident. Our officials are engaging with the Polish counterpart to resolve the impasse so that the PPS team as well as the media can continue the journey as planned, and cover, at least, the Russian leg of the Peace talks of the trip. We are deeply disturbed by the experience they have gone through,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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