President Ramaphosa of South Africa to Meet Trump ‘Soon’ to Discuss Strained Relations

Addis Ababa: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he will ‘meet soon’ with U.S. President Donald Trump to address the strained relations between the two countries. Ramaphosa revealed that he had a conversation with Trump, during which they agreed to discuss important issues such as the peace process in Ukraine and the cessation of the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict to prevent further casualties and mentioned that both leaders are keen on fostering better relations between the United States and South Africa. However, no specific date for the meeting has been provided by Ramaphosa.

The relations between South Africa and the U.S. have worsened since Trump assumed office earlier this year. Trump’s criticism of South Africa’s position on the Israel-Hamas war has been a significant point of contention. South Africa’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza has drawn ire from Trump.

Additionally, Trump has imposed an executive order halting all financial aid to South Africa and has enacted a 37 percent tariff on South African exports to the U.S., which he later paused for a 90-day period. These measures have added pressure on South Africa, which also faces a loss of U.S. funding for crucial health programs, including those combating HIV.

The Expropriation Act in South Africa, allowing the government to seize land for public use, has led to further tensions. Trump has accused South Africa of unlawfully expropriating farms from white Afrikaner farmers and has offered to assist those wishing to relocate to the U.S.

Furthermore, the U.S. recently expelled Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador, following his criticism of Trump. Trump has suggested he might skip the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, adding another layer of complexity to the diplomatic relationship.

President Ramaphosa disclosed details of his conversation with Trump while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was visiting South Africa. Zelensky’s meeting with Ramaphosa took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.