The South African government has strongly rejected a new U.S. refugee policy that would give preferential treatment to white Afrikaners from South Africa, accusing the United States of misrepresenting the country’s situation and engaging in a politically motivated campaign.
According to reports from the Associated Press and others, the U.S. administration under Donald Trump announced it will prioritise refugee status for Afrikaners, citing alleged “government-sponsored, race-based discrimination” and “ethnic minority Afrikaners’ agricultural property” being seized without compensation. (AP News)
What the U.S. Plan Includes
The U.S. cut its refugee admissions cap substantially and designates white South African farmers and Afrikaners as a priority group for resettlement. (The Guardian)
Reports indicate the U.S. plans to stop foreign aid to South Africa and proceed with a programme called “Mission South Africa” aimed at relocating Afrikaners as refugees. (The Washington Post)
South Africa’s Response
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) dismissed the U.S. claims as factually inaccurate and politically motivated, saying there is no evidence of targeted persecution of Afrikaners that meets the standard for refugee status under international law. (DIRCO)
The South African government said that labelling white Afrikaners as a persecuted group undermines the country’s constitutional process of redress and racial transformation. (DIRCO)
Why It Matters
The dispute is raising tensions between the U.S. and South Africa as diplomatic relations come under strain. The U.S. move is being interpreted by some analysts as favouring a white minority group — a stance that many say amounts to racial bias and undermines the integrity of the refugee regime. (The Guardian)
For South Africa, the criticism touches on sensitive issues of land reform, racial equity and the legacy of apartheid. The government contends the claims of Afrikaner victimisation are exaggerated and distract from broader efforts to address historical injustices.
Outlook
The two countries are expected to engage in discussions to clarify the refugee programme criteria and examine its implications for bilateral relations. Meanwhile, South Africa has reiterated that it will safeguard the dignity of its democratic process and insist that any refugee claims adhere to international standards.
