President Donald Trump will welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House, aiming to mend relations strained by recent tensions. The U.S. recently admitted 59 white South Africans as refugees, who claimed they were fleeing violence and discrimination. Trump and Elon Musk have described the Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch and French settlers—as victims of “genocide,” a claim vehemently rejected by South African leaders. Ramaphosa asserted, “We all know as South Africans, both Black and white, that there’s no genocide here.”
During his visit, Ramaphosa intends to focus on trade, investment, and fostering better bilateral relations. The tensions escalated earlier when Trump criticized South Africa’s treatment of farmers and suggested cutting off aid. The U.S. has also condemned the South African Expropriation Act, which permits the government to seize land without compensation under certain conditions. Ramaphosa clarified that this act is a constitutional process aimed at equitable land access, not confiscation. However, the White House claimed it reflects a disregard for citizens’ rights and could lead to violence against landowners.
Despite the refugees’ admission, the Trump administration has generally restricted refugee entries from other nations, including Afghanistan and Sudan. South Africa has also confronted the U.S. over the Israel-Hamas conflict, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. Moving forward, both nations seek a cooperative dialogue, hoping to establish common ground on these contentious issues. Ramaphosa expressed optimism about improving mutual understanding through engagements with the Trump administration.
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