South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the AfriForum lobby group’s recent White House visit, claiming it undermines national unity amidst tensions with the Trump administration. This visit follows Trump’s controversial executive order halting aid to South Africa over alleged human rights violations against the Afrikaner community. Ramaphosa urged South Africans to resolve their issues domestically rather than looking to foreign intervention.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently criticized a delegation from AfriForum, a lobby group representing the Afrikaner minority, for their visit to the White House. This meeting comes amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration, particularly following President Trump’s executive order halting aid to South Africa over allegations of human rights abuses against this community. Trump has incorrectly claimed that the South African government is seizing land from white farmers, further exacerbating the situation.
The delegation from AfriForum shared images from their White House visit on social media, asserting that the Afrikaner community is facing threats due to policies affecting land ownership and increasing fatalities among Afrikaner farmers. President Ramaphosa condemned the actions of AfriForum, asserting they undermine national unity and stating, “That is not a nation-building process… you are just sowing divisions.”
Ramaphosa emphasized the need for South Africans to address their issues internally rather than seeking help from foreign nations, which he believes affirms their sovereignty. External meetings with U.S. officials have proven challenging, as evidenced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s absence from key events in South Africa.
Criticism of AfriForum and Solidarity from political figures and opposition parties in South Africa has been prevalent, accusing them of recklessness and misinformation. Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, countered, asserting that it is Ramaphosa and his party who are creating division and ignoring concerns raised by Afrikaners regarding their safety and cultural existence.
In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s strong denunciation of the AfriForum delegation’s visit to the White House highlights significant tensions surrounding the treatment and rights of South Africa’s Afrikaner minority. The situation reflects broader political discord highlighted by allegations of misinformation and calls for internal resolution of issues rather than appealing to foreign authorities. The debate presents deep-seated concerns about national unity and the cultural rights of minority communities in South Africa.
Original Source: apnews.com
