President Donald Trump has signed an executive order halting U.S. financial aid to South Africa, following his earlier threats over the country’s controversial new land law. The executive order cites concerns over what Trump describes as violations of human rights, as well as South Africa’s international legal actions against Israel, accusing the country of genocide.
The situation escalated after Trump’s claims that South Africa was “confiscating land” and mistreating certain groups of people, though he provided no evidence for these statements. His remarks came shortly after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the country’s land reform policies, insisting that the government was not seizing land but rather aiming to address historical inequalities, particularly the predominantly white ownership of land following the end of apartheid.
The new law, signed by Ramaphosa last month, allows for the expropriation of land without compensation in specific circumstances, such as when property is underused or poses risks to public safety. While it aims to promote equity and redress historical injustices, it has sparked criticism, particularly from international figures like Elon Musk, who raised concerns about the policy’s potential to be racially discriminatory.
In addition to halting aid, the executive order includes provisions for the resettlement of Afrikaner farmers, descendants of early Dutch and French settlers, as refugees in the United States. It also references South Africa’s decision to pursue legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of genocide.
The order underscores the U.S. government’s disapproval of South Africa’s land policies and diplomatic stance, declaring that aid will remain frozen as long as these practices continue. It also emphasizes U.S. support for humanitarian relief efforts and the resettlement of those affected.
Despite these tensions, President Ramaphosa sought to calm the situation by speaking with Musk, reiterating South Africa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, justice, and fairness.
