South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the White House to meet with US President Donald Trump is a high-stakes diplomatic gamble. Relations between the two countries have soured significantly in recent months, fueled by Trump’s repeated, unsubstantiated claims of ‘white genocide’ in South Africa and his administration’s subsequent actions. These actions include aid cuts, the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador, threats to boycott the G-20 summit in Johannesburg, and the imposition of tariffs on South African imports.
The granting of refugee status to white South Africans by the US further escalated tensions, prompting Pretoria to accuse Washington of politically motivated actions designed to undermine South Africa’s constitutional democracy. At the heart of the dispute lies South Africa’s Expropriation Act, aimed at addressing land inequality stemming from the apartheid era. Trump’s administration has seized on this, along with Pretoria’s broader diversity laws, as evidence of alleged discrimination against white South Africans. However, the conflict extends beyond domestic policy, encompassing South Africa’s relationships with Iran and its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ramaphosa’s visit represents a significant attempt to reset the relationship. He is expected to propose a comprehensive trade deal as a key element of this reset. The meeting is fraught with uncertainty; there are concerns that Ramaphosa might face humiliation similar to that experienced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his controversial meeting with Trump earlier this year. Despite these concerns, Ramaphosa reportedly remains undeterred, hoping to appease Trump with business opportunities, potentially including concessions in sectors like critical minerals and agriculture, and by leveraging business ties with influential figures like Elon Musk.
Beyond the high-profile meeting, the Africa Brief also highlights other significant developments on the continent. Sudan’s appointment of a new prime minister amidst ongoing civil war, a new defense agreement between Nigeria and a Chinese company, unrest in Libya, and the upcoming US-Africa summit are all key issues shaping the geopolitical landscape. The article also features a spotlight on the Nigerian film industry’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing the growing cultural influence of the continent.
Finally, the piece discusses reports of US diplomats using the threat of aid cuts to pressure African governments to expedite licenses for Starlink, and a class-action lawsuit alleging that flood defenses around a sugar estate in Malawi diverted floodwaters, resulting in casualties and property damage. These reports underscore the complex interplay of political, economic, and environmental factors shaping the African continent.
