US President Donald Trump.
Cape Town: US President Donald Trump has launched the most spicy attack on South Africa so far. He claimed that the ‘genocide’ of white farmers is taking place in South Africa, which is being hidden from the world. Trump not only raised the issue, but also targeted South Africa’s foreign policy, especially his stance against Israel and the growing relationship with Iran. Due to this, Trump has also imposed many restrictions on South Africa.
‘Blonde farmers are being massacred’
Trump Says that the government of black -dominated South Africa is adopting a racist attitude against white farmers. According to him, due to this, there are killings of white farmers. The South African government has dismissed these allegations outright. He says that there is a problem of violent crime in the country, but these murders are not happening on racial basis. This week, the Trump administration gave shelter to more than 50 white South Africans in the US. Trump described him as part of the African community and said that these people are victims of harassment and racial violence from their black government.
‘Trump is being given incorrect information’
South African President Cyril Ramfosa has denied these claims. He said that some African lobby groups and the US conservative commentator are giving false information to Trump. Trump also lashed out at South Africa’s action in which it filed a case of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice of the United Nations. The case was filed in early 2024, in which South Africa accused Israel of massacre against Palestinians in Gaza.
Many restrictions imposed on South Africa
South Africa’s move made him a big face of Palestinian support globally, but its relationship with the US and other Western countries deteriorated. On 7 February, Trump issued an executive order and imposed restrictions on South Africa and stopped all American aid. He said that South Africa has adopted an ‘aggressive stance’ against the US and its ally Israel. Trump also alleged that South Africa’s move shows support to Hamas. Countries like America, European Union and Britain consider Hamas as a terrorist organization.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramposa.
Trump irritated on South Africa’s relationship with Iran
South Africa has long been a supporter of Palestine and has been criticizing Israel. However, he has refused to support Hamas. But some incidents weakened the claim, such as in 2023 when the grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela called Hamas officials as a guest in South Africa. Trump, in his executive order, also accused South Africa of growing business, military and nuclear relations with Iran. South Africa admitted that it had diplomatic relations with Iran, but there is no compromise on nuclear weapons.
America is boycotting G20
South Africa said it is allowing Iran to bid for a business contract to make electricity reactor for electricity, including other countries. The Institute for Security Studies, a non-profit research institute in South Africa, said that Trump is overaring South Africa’s relations with Iran. But he also said that South Africa should be ready for criticism due to his relationship. Let us know that this year South Africa is presiding over G20 for the first time, but the Trump administration has decided to boycott it.
America’s boycott damage to South Africa
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend a meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers in Johannesburg in February. The Trump administration also suspended all the cooperation related to South Africa’s G20 events. An American official said on the condition of anonymity that the decision was taken because Trump does not support South Africa’s G20 agenda. However, this will not affect the next year’s G20 chairmanship of the US. This boycott will harm the issues of South Africa that he prioritized under his chairmanship.
South Africa will try to improve relationships
South African President Cyril Ramfosa avoided Trump’s criticism, saying he would meet Trump at the White House next week. Their purpose is to ‘reset’ the relationship between the two countries. Ramfosa says that he will try to remove misunderstandings by giving the correct information to Trump. Trump’s strict attitude against South Africa is not only associated with the issue of white farmers, but also about its foreign policy, especially Israel, Hamas and Iran. These controversies have increased tension between the two countries, and now it remains to be seen what color Ramposa meets Trump. (AP)
