Key facts
- South Africa summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III for a third time.
- The summons was over alleged 'undiplomatic conduct'.
- The US has imposed visa restrictions on some South Africans.
- US President Donald Trump has made false claims about white South Africans facing persecution.
South Africa's foreign affairs ministry summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III on Tuesday for a third time over what it described as "undiplomatic conduct," a senior government official told Reuters. The demarche, a formal diplomatic protest, comes amid strained relations between the two countries, exacerbated by US President Donald Trump's repeated false claims that white South Africans face systemic persecution.
Bozell, who arrived in Pretoria in February, was previously called in over remarks that South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said undermined the country's judiciary and historical context. In recent interviews, the ambassador has expressed impatience with Pretoria's response to Washington's concerns, suggesting further pressure could follow. Two weeks ago, the US announced visa restrictions on some South Africans.
South Africa has stated its willingness to engage in talks to resolve outstanding matters, emphasizing the need for its sovereignty to be respected and for domestic priorities, such as addressing historical injustices, to be upheld. A DIRCO official confirmed that issues related to bilateral relations are under ongoing discussion with a commitment from both sides to find resolutions.