BRUSSELS, Feb 11 (Alliance News): The European Union has reaffirmed its support for South Africa’s leadership of the G20 ahead of this month’s summit in Johannesburg, despite rising tensions between South Africa and the United States over President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze aid.
Trump halted US aid to South Africa last week, citing concerns over a land reform law he claims allows the seizure of land from white farmers, an allegation denied by Johannesburg.
Billionaire Elon Musk, a South African-born critic of the government, has also accused President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration of enforcing “openly racist ownership laws.”
The upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, set for February 20-21 in Johannesburg, has further fueled tensions, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing he will boycott the event, accusing South Africa of an “anti-American” stance.
In contrast, the European Union has thrown its full support behind South Africa’s leadership role. European Council President Antonio Costa spoke with Ramaphosa and reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties.
“On my phone call with President Cyril Ramaphosa, I highlighted the EU’s commitment to deepen ties with South Africa, as a reliable and predictable partner,” Costa posted on X, adding that the EU backs South Africa’s multilateral cooperation efforts and its “Pact for the Future” initiative.
The EU and South Africa are set to hold a high-level meeting on March 13 to further discuss their strategic partnership.
