A senior South African official criticized U.S. spying in a recent interview with China Media Group (CMG), saying it infringed on the sovereignty and territory of African countries.

A pile of U.S. intelligence documents began circulating on social media in early April, which not only showed how deeply the U.S. is involved in the Ukraine crisis, but revealed that the U.S. has been spying on many countries and international organizations, including its allies and the United Nations.

The leaked documents have raised grave concerns in many countries, including South Africa, which borders Namibia and discovered that a U.S. drone used to gather data sailed in Namibian waters, very close to the territorial waters of South Africa. Despite the U.S. claiming it was a private drone contracted for marine research purposes, Namibian media outlets have suggested it was an American spy drone. 

Cedric Frolick, the National Assembly House chairperson of South Africa, told CMG that the actions of the U.S. violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African countries and it cannot be accepted.

He added that African countries wish to be treated as equal cooperating partners just as other countries, and the sovereignty and territory of African countries must be respected. In the time of globalization, countries have cooperation projects and common interests, so all sides must abide by existing international treaties, he noted.

"We must avoid double standards of certain countries when it comes to issues of sovereignty and territory," Frolick said.