South AfricaSA, US Ties Remain Frosty
Parliament's International Relations Committee will call on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to explain the latest démarche of US Ambassador Leo Bozell. The US State Department said Bozell was called to discuss bilateral relations.
Global Newsflix 2 min readThe Department of International Relations and Cooperation will be called to appear before Parliament's International Relations Committee to explain the démarche of US Ambassador Leo Bozell. This is the third time in nine months that Bozell has been démarched.
The US State Department said Bozell was called to the Pretoria headquarters to discuss bilateral relations. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has not officially confirmed the rebuke.
Minister Lamola has raised concerns over unilateral US visa restrictions on South Africa. Minister Ntshavheni has rejected the US push to scrap B-BBEE.
The US Ambassador has also refused to say whether he believes Afrikaner genocide is happening. Ntshavheni has slammed the false narrative about South Africa, saying if you are not happy, leave in peace.
Key facts
- US Ambassador Leo Bozell was démarched for the third time in nine months
- The démarche was to discuss bilateral relations
- Minister Lamola has raised concerns over unilateral US visa restrictions
- Minister Ntshavheni has rejected the US push to scrap B-BBEE
Three perspectives
Neutral
The relationship between South Africa and the US remains strained. The International Relations Committee will seek an explanation from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The committee's next steps will be closely watched.
Positive
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation will have the opportunity to explain the démarche and clarify the situation. This could lead to a better understanding between the two countries. Minister Ntshavheni's rejection of the US push to scrap B-BBEE shows a strong stance on South African policies.
Negative
The repeated démarche of the US Ambassador suggests a deepening rift between the two countries. The US push to scrap B-BBEE has been met with resistance, indicating fundamental differences in policy. The situation may escalate further if not addressed.
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