US Freezes Support to South Africa Over Human Rights Violations
In December, Pretoria filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.
The United States has announced a freeze on all future funding to South Africa, with President Donald Trump citing human rights violations as the reason for the decision.
The move, revealed in a post on Trump’s Truth Social platform, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
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"South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY," Trump wrote.
"A massive Human Rights VIOLATION, at a minimum, is happening for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!"
Two weeks ago, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the controverial land expropriation which allows the state to seize land without compensation under certain conditions.
The Expropriation Bill, which has been under discussion for years, aims to redress historical land dispossession caused by apartheid and colonialism.
Supporters argue that the bill is essential for economic justice, as a disproportionate share of South Africa’s land remains in the hands of the white minority.
Critics, however, warn that it could undermine property rights, deter investment, and destabilize the economy.
Internationally, the bill has drawn scrutiny, with some Western governments expressing concerns over its impact on South Africa’s economy and legal system.
The issue has also been politicised in countries like the US, where right-wing commentators have accused the South African government of targeting white settlers.
While Trump did not specify which alleged violations triggered the decision, South Africa has recently been at the centre of multiple international disputes.
In December, Pretoria filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.
Israel, a close US ally, condemned the case as baseless, and Washington publicly backed Tel Aviv, calling South Africa’s actions "deeply concerning." Some observers believe Trump’s move could be a form of diplomatic retaliation.
Beyond the ICJ case, South Africa’s foreign policy has also put it at odds with the US on economic and geopolitical fronts. As a leading member of the BRICS bloc—alongside Brazil, Russia, India, and China—South Africa has been actively pushing for greater African representation within the group.
The US has long viewed BRICS as a challenge to Western influence, particularly as it seeks to establish alternatives to the dollar-based financial system.
The funding freeze comes amid South Africa’s escalating tensions with Rwanda over the ongoing crisis in DR Congo.
South Africa, leading the SADC nations, has sent troops to support Congolese forces against the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to have ties to Rwanda.
Kigali has denied any involvement, but the dispute has fueled regional instability. The US, which has been seeking to balance its relationships in Africa, has yet to take a firm stance on the matter.
The Biden administration had previously maintained strong ties with South Africa despite differences, but Trump’s intervention signals a shift in Washington’s approach.
South African foreign minister Ronald Lamola said in a statement that "we trust that President Trump's advisors will leverage this investigative period to deepen their understanding of South Africa's policies as a constitutional democracy".
Mr Lamola said such insights will ensure a respectful and informed approach to our democratic commitments.
