Cyril Ramaphosa Critiques AfriForum’s White House Visit amid Diplomatic Tensions

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the AfriForum’s recent White House visit, which occurred in response to President Trump’s executive order halting aid due to alleged human rights violations against white farmers. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for national dialogue and unity rather than seeking external solutions. Opposing political factions criticized AfriForum for its actions, suggesting they fracture diplomatic relations and propagate misinformation.

On Thursday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized a visit to the White House by the AfriForum, a lobby group representing the Afrikaner minority, amid escalating tensions with the Trump administration. This delegation traveled to Washington to meet with officials following President Trump’s recent executive order that halted aid to South Africa, citing human rights violations against white farmers.

President Trump has inaccurately asserted that the South African government is confiscating land from white farmers under the new Expropriation Act, alongside criticizing the nation’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Additionally, Trump has proposed granting refugee status to the members of the AfriForum.

AfriForum emphasizes that the Afrikaner community faces threats in South Africa, highlighting incidents of violence against farmers and land policies as significant issues. Ramaphosa, addressing the press, stressed that pursuing solutions through international means weakens national unity.

Ramaphosa stated, “That is not a nation-building process of running around the world to try and have your problems solved; you are just sowing divisions.” He further urged South Africans to focus on resolving their issues domestically to affirm their sovereignty.

The lobby group’s actions have occurred alongside reports of difficulties faced by South African diplomats in engaging with the Trump administration, with notable absences of U.S. officials at crucial meetings.

Political parties in South Africa have condemned the actions of AfriForum, describing them as reckless and damaging to the country’s reputation. Some critiques highlight that the group’s appeal to the U.S. exacerbates diplomatic tensions caused by misinformation campaigns.

Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, responded to Ramaphosa’s accusations, asserting that the government, particularly the ANC, is responsible for the divisions affecting Afrikaans cultural communities, rather than his organization.

Kriel stated, “It’s President Ramaphosa that signed the Expropriation Act… It’s also President Ramaphosa that ignores letters from AfriForum solidarity.” The group has addressed concerns regarding Trump’s executive orders with senior officials close to the South African president.

Furthermore, the former president Jacob Zuma’s political group, Umkhonto Wesizwe, has lodged a treason complaint against AfriForum, alleging the group spreads misinformation to sway U.S. policy.

This situation illustrates the complexities of South Africa’s domestic and international relationships, especially regarding minority rights. President Ramaphosa advocates for resolution through internal dialogue rather than external lobbying. The responses from both the government and AfriForum highlight ongoing tensions surrounding cultural identity and political representation in the context of South African society today.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com