South Africa faces five U.S. demands amid calls for international accountability

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued five demands to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to improve bilateral relations. The demands include prioritizing the protection of Afrikaner farmers against violence, condemning the ‘Kill the Boer’ chant as hate speech, and repealing land expropriation laws without compensation. Additionally, Trump requested changes to economic empowerment rules that require U.S. investors to cede 30% ownership to Black South African citizens, and called for South Africa to demonstrate a non-aligned foreign policy by distancing itself from adversaries such as Iran.

In a separate diplomatic context at the BRICS summit, President Ramaphosa called for accountability regarding what he described as the ‘ongoing genocide against Palestinians’ and an ‘illegal war against Iran.’ He criticized the selective application of international law and advocated for a permanent African seat on the United Nations Security Council. South African officials indicated that progress is being made on the issues raised by Washington and that Ramaphosa will respond to the U.S. demands.