Tensions escalate between South Africa and the US regarding a controversial refugee plan prioritizing white Afrikaners. South Africa's foreign ministry condemns the move while ensuring not to obstruct the departure of selected individuals.
South Africa Condemns US Refugee Plan for Afrikaners
South Africa Condemns US Refugee Plan for Afrikaners
Controversy arises as South Africa criticizes the US initiative to accept white Afrikaners as refugees, labeling it politically motivated.
South Africa has expressed strong criticism towards the United States in light of reports that suggest Washington may accept white Afrikaners as refugees as soon as next week. A document obtained by CBS News — a partner of the BBC in the US — categorizes the potential resettlement as a "priority" for President Donald Trump's administration, although the White House has not confirmed any specific timing for these plans.
In a statement released on Friday, the South African foreign ministry denounced the rumored resettlement initiative as "politically motivated," asserting that it aims to undermine South Africa's “constitutional democracy.” In February, Trump had previously voiced support for Afrikaners, characterizing them as victims of "racial discrimination" through an executive order that opened up channels for their resettlement in the United States.
While South African authorities have indicated they will not obstruct the departure of those chosen for resettlement, they emphasized the need for assurances from the US that these individuals have undergone thorough vetting and do not carry any pending criminal charges. The South African government disputed claims of discrimination against the white minority, arguing that crime statistics do not substantiate such allegations regarding violent crimes on farms.
Despite this, groups advocating for the rights of white farmers insist that their members are being deliberately targeted due to their race. In response, a spokesperson from the US State Department confirmed that interviews are underway with potential resettlement candidates, prioritizing Afrikaners deemed victims of “unjust racial discrimination,” but did not disclose when the resettlement initiative would commence.
Complicating matters, the Trump administration previously accused South Africa of land seizures from white farmers without compensation—accusations which Pretoria has consistently denied. Elon Musk, a prominent figure allied with the Trump administration and a former South African resident during apartheid, has criticized the South African government, alleging it supports a "genocide" against white farmers.
US media reports indicate that the inaugural group of 54 Afrikaners is set to arrive as part of this controversial resettlement effort. This decision comes amidst a broader policy shift from the Trump administration that has suspended nearly all migrant asylum claims. South Africa reacted negatively to Trump’s executive order to resettle white Afrikaners in the US, highlighting the irony that these individuals are considered among the wealthiest while more vulnerable refugees from other regions are denied asylum.
