South Africa summons new US ambassador over diplomatic comments

US Ambassador Summoned Over Comments on South Africa’s White Persecution Claims

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has summoned United States Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III to discuss comments made by the envoy that Pretoria considers “undiplomatic.” The meeting comes as tensions between Pretoria and Washington continue to escalate over claims of white persecution in South Africa.

Ambassador Bozell, who took up his post last month, had previously made remarks critical of post-apartheid policies and described a controversial apartheid-era chant as “hate speech.” In response, Foreign Minister Lamola stated that the US government respects the independence and findings of South Africa’s judiciary. He also denied an analogy drawn by Ambassador Bozell between the country’s economic empowerment policies and apartheid-era discrimination.

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on South Africa and extended refugee status to white Afrikaners, citing claims of persecution. However, South African leaders have rejected these claims, pointing out that Black residents face a higher crime rate. The US also halted resettlements of nearly every other refugee group.

Ambassador Bozell’s comments have been met with criticism from some quarters, who view his remarks as divisive and inflammatory. His appointment has been seen by some as ratcheting up tensions between the two countries. Ambassador Bozell is a longtime ally of President Trump and has previously worked for the Media Research Center, which describes itself as a “media watchdog” that aims to counter leftist bias in the national news media.

The summons of Ambassador Bozell comes as Pretoria seeks to address its relations with Washington. The meeting between the two diplomats will provide an opportunity for them to discuss these issues and work towards a resolution.

Source: Al Jazeera