South Africa Rejects US Plan for Afrikaner Refugee Resettlement

South Africa's government has voiced strong opposition to a US proposal to accept white Afrikaner refugees, deeming it motivated by political agendas and challenging the country's democratic integrity.

South Africa has expressed its discontent with the United States regarding an initiative that may facilitate the resettlement of white Afrikaners as refugees, with reports suggesting that this could commence as early as next week. A document obtained by the BBC's US partner, CBS, outlines the plan as an urgent priority for President Donald Trump's administration, although the White House has yet to confirm any specific timeline.

In a statement released on Friday, South Africa's foreign ministry criticized the purported US action as "politically motivated," accusing it of undermining the nation's "constitutional democracy." In February, President Trump had characterized Afrikaners as victims of "racial discrimination" in an executive order that paved the way for their potential resettlement in the United States.

While South African officials indicated they would not obstruct those selected for relocation, they have sought assurances from the US that these individuals have undergone thorough vetting and do not have any outstanding criminal charges. South Africa reiterated its stance that claims of discrimination against the white minority are baseless, emphasizing that crime statistics show no racial targeting in farm-related violent incidents.

Despite these declarations, some organizations representing the interests of white farmers assert that there is a dangerous trend of violence against them due to their race. A spokesperson from the US State Department confirmed ongoing efforts to interview potential resettlers, with a focus on "Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination," but refrained from providing details on when the resettlement process would begin.

Furthermore, the Trump administration has accused South Africa of expropriating land from white farmers without compensation, a claim that Pretoria vehemently denies. This ongoing dispute underscores the complex relations between the two nations amid sensitive discussions surrounding race and land ownership.