The United States announced Wednesday it is imposing visa restrictions on South African officials accused of discriminating against the country’s white minority. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the restrictions will apply to those who promote “discrimination based on race, incite violence, or enable land seizures without compensation in South Africa.” Rubio did not name specific individuals who will be included on the list.
The Trump administration has sharply criticized South Africa over its policies addressing racial inequality, which it claims discriminate against Afrikaners—descendants of Dutch and French settlers. South Africa rejects allegations of persecuting whites or seizing land, arguing that land reform is essential to correcting historical injustices from the apartheid era.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since President Trump returned to office last year, with the U.S. cutting aid, expelling South Africa’s ambassador, and offering “refuge” to whites fleeing alleged “persecution.” The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria warned that the visa restrictions are just the first step in a series of escalating measures.