US imposes visa restrictions on South African officials over alleged discrimination
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The United States announced visa restrictions on South African officials accused of discriminating against the white minority. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said South Africa has not addressed US concerns over racial inequality. The move escalates tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
Key Facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the visa restrictions on Tuesday.
- The restrictions target those who promote race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law last year allowing land seizure without compensation in rare instances.
- White South Africans make up just over 7% of the population but own most private farmland.
US Visa Restrictions
The United States announced visa restrictions targeting people it accuses of discriminating against South Africa's white minority. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the South African government has not adequately addressed previously laid out concerns. Rubio did not immediately name any individuals targeted by the restrictions. In a social media post, Rubio accused South Africa's government of pursuing racial grievance against the Afrikaner minority.
Land Reform Dispute
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law last year allowing the state to seize land without compensation in rare instances. The legislation allows expropriation in the public interest and provides for circumstances in which compensation may be set at zero. Authorities must first try to reach an agreement with property owners in most cases, and disputes can be taken to court. The South African government says land reform is necessary to address historic inequalities from apartheid.
US-South Africa Relations
Relations between the two countries have been on a downward spiral since President Donald Trump returned to office early last year. The US has cut aid, expelled the South African ambassador, and offered refugee status to Afrikaners. South Africa has repeatedly rejected allegations that it is persecuting white people or confiscating their land. South Africa's latest crime statistics do not indicate that more white people have fallen victim to violent crime than other racial groups.
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