By A Correspondent
In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order targeting South Africa, imposing sanctions in response to what he describes as “egregious actions” by the South African government.
The order comes after South Africa enacted its controversial Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows the government to seize agricultural property from ethnic minority Afrikaners without compensation.
The U.S. president condemned the act, stating that it represents “shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights.” Trump further criticized the government’s broader actions, claiming they dismantle equal opportunities in areas such as employment, education, and business, while also fueling violence against minority landowners. He also pointed to South Africa’s foreign policy moves, including its stance on Israel and its growing ties with Iran.
“The United States cannot support the government of South Africa’s commission of rights violations in its country or its undermining of U.S. foreign policy,” Trump said in a statement. “This poses national security threats to our Nation, our allies, our African partners, and our interests.”
As part of the executive order, the U.S. will halt all foreign aid to South Africa. “The United States shall not provide aid or assistance to South Africa,” Trump declared, emphasizing that South Africa’s actions cannot be ignored without repercussions. The U.S. will also prioritize the resettlement of Afrikaners who are fleeing government-sponsored racial discrimination, including land confiscations. “We are committed to promoting the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping these injustices,” the order stated.
Additionally, the president confirmed that the United States would not attend the upcoming G20 summit in November. This move underscores the administration’s stance on South Africa’s policies, signaling the growing tensions between the two nations.
In terms of refugee resettlement, the order directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to take steps to prioritize the admission and resettlement of Afrikaners affected by racial discrimination. The plan for this resettlement program is to be submitted to the President through the Homeland Security Advisor.
The executive order also mandates that U.S. agencies, including USAID and PEPFAR, cease providing financial aid to South Africa. As part of these sanctions, the U.S. will also block any future foreign assistance to the country, including the annual $440 million allocated for HIV/AIDS programs through PEPFAR.
“The United States is taking this action to protect our values and interests. We stand against any government that undermines human rights and acts contrary to international standards,” Trump added.
This development marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-South Africa relations, with far-reaching consequences for the future of foreign aid, refugee resettlement, and international diplomacy.