South Africa: Washington announces visa restrictions targeting officials accused of 'racial discrimination'

The administration of US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, September 16, visa restrictions against South African officials accused, according to Washington, of implementing "racial discrimination," particularly against Afrikaners, the white community descended from European settlers.

According to American authorities, these measures target individuals held responsible for policies deemed discriminatory in South Africa. Washington did not immediately specify the identity of the individuals affected or the exact number of visas impacted.

This announcement comes amid persistent tensions between the two governments. For several months, the Trump administration has accused South African authorities of perpetrating "persecution" against Afrikaners, accusations that Pretoria has rejected and that RFI characterizes as "unfounded."

The South African government has not yet publicly responded to this latest American decision. Relations between Washington and Pretoria had already deteriorated in recent months over several issues, including matters related to land reform and the rights of white minorities in South Africa.

The matter raises questions about the evolution of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as the American administration has repeatedly taken positions on the situation of Afrikaners since the beginning of the year.