South Africa criticized Trump’s threats to cut aid, asserting that developed nations should not bully developing countries. Minister Gwede Mantashe emphasized the importance of sovereignty, while President Ramaphosa defended the Expropriation Bill against accusations of land confiscation. The government insists on respectful diplomatic engagements rather than public insults, highlighting the risk of economic backlash against the US.
South Africa has expressed strong disapproval towards US President Donald Trump’s threats to cut aid, stating that developed nations should not bully developing countries. Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, emphasized that development levels should not be used as reasons for intimidation, insisting that every nation deserves the opportunity for growth without coercion. He declared, ‘Being bullied should not be acceptable under any circumstances.’
Trump’s remarks came after South Africa enacted the Expropriation Bill, permitting the government to take land in response to allegations of land confiscation and mistreatment of certain groups. On his platform, Trump claimed, ‘South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,’ labeling the situation as a severe human rights violation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa defended the legislation, clarifying that it is not about confiscation but rather a constitutional process meant to ensure equitable land access. He affirmed, ‘The South African government has not confiscated any land.’ This clarification was necessary to address Trump’s public accusations that misconstrued South Africa’s legal approach to land redistribution.
Mantashe criticized the US for airing grievances without engaging through diplomatic channels, asserting that South Africa should be respected as a sovereign nation. He proposed a radical economic stance, suggesting that Africa should withhold mineral supplies from the US if aid is cut, reflecting a positioned response to perceived exploitation. He stated, ‘We have minerals in the continent; therefore, we have something that we have.’
The tensions arise from South Africa’s recent legislative changes regarding land expropriation, which provoked strong statements from President Trump. The Expropriation Bill aims to address historical injustices by enabling the government to redistribute land equitably. Trump’s threats to halt aid highlight the broader geopolitical issue of how developed nations engage with developing countries, specifically regarding resource extraction and financial support. South Africa’s response underscores the importance of maintaining its sovereignty against international pressures.
In summary, South Africa firmly challenged Trump’s threats to cut aid, advocating for the respect of its sovereignty and the right to develop without external intimidation. The government contended that their land policies adhere to constitutional processes and are not intended to confiscate land unjustly. Mantashe’s remarks at the Africa Mining Investment Summit further called for a reevaluation of mineral trade relations with the US in response to perceived bullying.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
