As the US prepares to possibly welcome a group of white Afrikaners as refugees, South Africa's foreign ministry expresses discontent, labeling the move as politically charged. The South African government demands vetting assurances for those selected, countering claims of targeted violence against white farmers within their borders.
South Africa Raises Concerns Over US Plans to Accept White Afrikaners as Refugees
South Africa Raises Concerns Over US Plans to Accept White Afrikaners as Refugees
The South African government criticizes the potential resettlement of white Afrikaners in the US, citing it as politically motivated and undermining the country’s democracy.
The South African government has voiced strong criticism against the United States' reported plan to accept white Afrikaners as refugees, with reports suggesting that the US could begin welcoming them as soon as next week. According to a document shared by CBS, resettling these individuals has been labeled a "priority" by President Donald Trump's administration, although no official timing has been released from the White House.
In a statement released on Friday, South Africa’s foreign ministry condemned the initiative, characterizing it as a politically motivated effort aimed at undermining the country's "constitutional democracy." President Trump previously described Afrikaners as victims of "racial discrimination" in an executive order issued in February, opening the door for their potential resettlement in the US.
While South African authorities indicated they would not impede the departure of those selected for resettlement, they emphasized the need for the US to assure that these individuals have undergone proper vetting and do not have outstanding criminal charges. The South African government countered allegations of racial discrimination against white farmers, asserting those claims are unsubstantiated. They pointed out that crime statistics do not support the notion of any racial group being specifically targeted in violent farm-related crimes.
Groups representing white farmers have alleged that these individuals are being deliberately killed due to their race. Nevertheless, a spokesperson from the US State Department confirmed ongoing interviews with those interested in resettlement, stating a focus on Afrikaners in South Africa who are perceived victims of systemic racial discrimination. They did not provide confirmation regarding the timeline for resettlement.
The Trump administration has accused South Africa of confiscating land from white farmers without compensation—an assertion that Pretoria denies. Additionally, Elon Musk, a prominent advisor within the Trump administration who has roots in South Africa, has criticized the South African government's stance, claiming a potential "genocide" against white farmers.
Documentation reviewed by CBS suggests an event has been scheduled at Dulles Airport in Virginia to welcome the first group of 54 Afrikaners. This move to accept refugees from South Africa takes place amid the Trump administration's stance of suspending nearly all migrant asylum requests. Critics in South Africa have marked the initiative as ironic, pointing out that the US is willing to accept a group that remains among the most economically privileged, while denying asylum to other vulnerable populations worldwide.
