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US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reduce financial assistance to South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s land reform policies and its recent legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the White House announced on Friday.
The United States provided nearly $440 million in aid to South Africa in 2023, according to the most recent government data. However, under Trump’s directive, this financial support will be significantly curtailed, with officials instructed to redirect funds towards humanitarian efforts and refugee resettlement, specifically prioritising Afrikaners seeking asylum in the US.
President Trump has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s land policies, alleging without providing evidence that the government is engaging in widespread land confiscation. He claimed that “certain classes of people” were being treated “very badly” under the policy.
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South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, has also spoken out on the issue, arguing that white South Africans face discrimination under the country’s land redistribution laws.
However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly defended the policy, stating that it is aimed at addressing deep-rooted racial inequalities in land ownership, a legacy of the colonial and apartheid eras. He emphasised that no land has been confiscated and vowed that South Africa “will not be bullied” into changing its domestic policies.
Another major factor behind Washington’s decision to cut aid is South Africa’s recent case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where it accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The legal action has drawn backlash from the US, a staunch ally of Israel, which condemned South Africa’s move as politically motivated.
Israel has denied the allegations, arguing that its military operations were carried out in self-defence following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack.
The US has maintained strong support for Israel, and Trump’s executive order signals Washington’s growing frustration with countries that challenge its allies on the global stage.
The decision to cut financial assistance is expected to strain diplomatic ties between the US and South Africa, which has long been a strategic partner in Africa. Analysts warn that the move could have significant economic implications, particularly in sectors that rely on US funding and cooperation.
South Africa’s government has yet to issue an official response to the executive order, but political observers anticipate strong resistance to what is seen as an attempt to pressure the country into aligning with US foreign policy priorities.
As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic negotiations can ease the rift or if South Africa will seek alternative international partnerships to offset the impact of reduced US funding.
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