US President Donald Trump has cut off all aid to South Africa indefinitely over the country’s alleged discriminatory land policy.
BACKGROUND
In January, Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, signed a controversial Expropriation Act into law, stirring intense debate abroad.
The policy allows the government to seize land without compensation under certain circumstances — in a bid to address “decade-long inequality” brewed by the apartheid era.
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The government said the bill was enacted to accelerate land reform efforts, as black South Africans currently own a disproportionately small share of agricultural land compared to the white minority.
Trump had condemned the law, saying it “violates” human rights, adding that he would take action.
TRUMP: WE’LL CUT ALL AID TO SOUTH AFRICA’
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In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said he would be cutting all aid to South Africa “until further notice”.
“South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY. It is a bad situation that the Radical Left Media doesn’t want to so much as mention,” the US President wrote.
“A massive Human Rights VIOLATION is happening, for all to see. The United States won’t stand for it – We will act. Also, because of this, I will be cutting off all aid to South Africa until further notice!”
Ramaphosa had defended the land policy, saying “South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is deeply rooted in the rule of law, justice and equality”.
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He also said South Africa “looks forward to engaging with the Trump administration over the land reform policy and issues of bilateral interest”.
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