South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum’s visit to the White House, highlighting rising tensions with the Trump administration. The visit occurred after President Trump halted aid to South Africa due to alleged human rights violations. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for internal solutions to the country’s challenges rather than seeking external support, while critics condemned AfriForum for fostering division and misinformation.
On Thursday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized a visit by the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum to the White House, coinciding with escalating tensions with the Trump administration. The group had sent a small delegation to meet U.S. officials following President Trump’s recent executive order halting aid to South Africa, citing alleged human rights violations against the Afrikaner minority.
President Trump has made unfounded claims regarding the South African government’s land reform policies, suggesting they involve seizing land from white farmers. Additionally, Trump has condemned South Africa’s legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice and has offered refuge to AfriForum’s members.
The delegation shared their visit on social media, exhibiting photos taken at the White House. AfriForum argues that their community faces significant threats due to violent incidents against Afrikaner farmers and adverse land policies.
In response, Ramaphosa called for dialogue to address the issues rather than seeking external assistance, stating, “That is not a nation-building process of running around the world to try and have your problems solved; you are just sowing divisions.” He emphasized the need for South Africans to tackle their challenges within the country, reinforcing national sovereignty.
The meetings organized by AfriForum have raised concerns about the South African government’s difficulties in gaining audience with U.S. officials, as high-ranking American officials missed crucial diplomatic events in South Africa.
Various political parties and formations in South Africa condemned AfriForum for its actions, labeling them as reckless and dishonest, which could compromise the nation. Critics accused AfriForum of undermining diplomatic relations through a campaign of misinformation.
In defense of their actions, AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel asserted that Ramaphosa’s accusations of division are misplaced, arguing that it is actually the ruling party and its leaders who are fostering discord. He pointed out several issues Ramaphosa has failed to address, such as the Expropriation Act and violence aimed at farmers.
Furthermore, the former ruling party, under Jacob Zuma, has introduced a treason complaint against AfriForum, charging that the group is deliberately misinforming to sway U.S. policy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed serious concerns over AfriForum’s visit to the White House, viewing it as detrimental to national unity and sovereignty. His administration is striving to resolve current tensions with the Trump administration, while AfriForum continues to assert that the Afrikaner community is endangered. This situation underscores the complexities of South African political dynamics and the ongoing debates surrounding land reform and minority rights.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
