South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized AfriForum for visiting the White House, linking it to rising tensions with the Trump administration. The lobby group has claimed that the Afrikaner community faces threats, citing Trump’s claims of human rights violations. Ramaphosa underscored the need for South Africans to resolve issues internally, while AfriForum’s CEO countered criticisms by pointing to the government’s actions as divisive. Additionally, a treason complaint against AfriForum has been filed by Zuma’s party.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly criticized a visit by the Afrikaner lobby group, AfriForum, to the White House. This visit coincides with escalating tensions between South Africa and the Trump administration. AfriForum met with U.S. officials following President Trump’s executive order which halted aid to South Africa, citing alleged human rights violations against the Afrikaner community. Trump has made incorrect assertions regarding land seizures from white farmers under the Expropriation Act, and he has suggested refugee status for the lobby group.
AfriForum contends that its community faces threats from land policies and violence against Afrikaner farmers. During a press conference, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for South Africans to collaboratively address their issues rather than seeking external assistance. He stated that the actions of AfriForum are detrimental to national unity, remarking, “That is not a nation-building process… you are just sowing divisions.”
The lobby group’s visit comes amid difficulties faced by South African diplomats in engaging with U.S. officials, highlighted by the absence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio from a recent meeting. Domestic political parties have denounced AfriForum, labeling their approach as reckless and misleading, while expressing concern regarding the disinformation they fear may affect diplomatic relations.
Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, countered by claiming that it is the actions of President Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) that create division within the country, specifically referencing the Expropriation Act and the murder of farmers. Kriel indicated that AfriForum had raised concerns regarding the implications of the U.S. executive order with high-ranking officials in Ramaphosa’s administration.
In a further political move, former President Jacob Zuma’s party has lodged a treason complaint against AfriForum, accusing the group of disseminating misinformation aimed at influencing U.S. policy towards South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns AfriForum’s visit to the White House, arguing it undermines national unity. As tensions with the Trump administration escalate, Ramaphosa insists on local solutions rather than reliance on external support. Discontent with AfriForum’s actions has been voiced by various political groups, further complicating South African-U.S. relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
