In June 21 1990, during a television interview on ABC-TV’s Nightline, months after his release, Nelson Mandela who was the Deputy Party Leader of Africa National Congress (ANC) responded to criticism from the United States regarding his associations with Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, Cuban President Fidel Castro, and Yasser Arafat, who was the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
This interview was part of Mandela’s first visit to the United States shortly after his release from prison and was broadcast on June 21, 1990.
Mandela was extensively questioned on this matter during a “town meeting” segment of Nightline.
He faced criticism from Jewish leaders and others worldwide for embracing Arafat and other figures considered enemies of Western democracy, such as Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and Cuban President Fidel Castro.
Mandela Unapologetically Declines to Disassociate with Gaddafi and Other Leaders
While responding to a question from an audience member in attendance during the “town meeting” segment, regarding his associations with individuals accused by the US and other Western nations of violating human rights, Mandela stated that their enemies were not necessarily his own.
“One of the mistakes which some political analysts make is to think that their enemies should be our enemies. That we can and we will never do,” Mandela said.
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Mandela explained that while South Africa’s liberation struggle welcomed international solidarity, the Africa National Congress (ANC) remained independent in setting its policies.
Why Mandela Associated with the Three Leaders
He stressed that their political stance toward any country would be shaped by how that country treated their fight against apartheid.
“We have our own struggle which we are conducting. We are grateful to the world for supporting our struggle, but nevertheless we are an independent organization with its own policy. And the attitude of every country towards us, and our attitude towards any country, is determined by the attitude of that country to our struggle,” Mandela said.
Mandela further defended his association with leaders such as Yasser Arafat, Muammar Gaddafi, and Fidel Castro by stressing that they had consistently supported South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, not only through words but also by providing resources to aid the fight.
For this reason, he argued, there was no justification for distancing himself from them.
“They do not support it only in rhetoric. They are placing resources at our disposal for us to win this fight. That is the position,” Mandela said.
Mandela’s response came after the US criticized his engagement with these leaders because they were considered enemies or threats to Western interests and were accused of violating human rights, sponsoring terrorism, or supporting armed conflicts.
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