US Ends Aid to South Africa Over Land Law Dispute
16
World
February 8, 2025 11:18
south africa - The United States has decided to halt aid to South Africa due to disputes over land law, Israel-related court case, and close ties with Iran.
US Halts Aid to South Africa
The White House announced that President Donald Trump has made the decision to end aid to South Africa citing reasons such as the '2024 Land Acquisition Act', the 'genocide' case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and close relations with Iran.
In a statement, it was mentioned that the US cannot support South Africa's human rights violations, as well as its actions weakening US foreign policy and posing a security threat to allies.
The 2024 Land Acquisition Act signed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 24 has caused controversy due to its provision granting the power of 'compensation-free acquisition' to expedite land redistribution.
President Trump had previously announced the suspension of all funds to South Africa, claiming that the country was 'seizing lands' and treating certain groups 'very badly'.
In response, the South African Presidency emphasized their commitment to constitutional democracy based on the rule of law, justice, and equality, stating that they have not seized any land.
President Ramaphosa reportedly had a phone call with American entrepreneur and owner of X, Elon Musk, to calm the dispute over the new land law in South Africa.