South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has dismissed the threat of US sanctions, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula declaring the party will not bow to American pressure. The US is considering sanctions against ANC leaders under the US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, citing disagreements over Pretoria’s foreign policy, such as its ties with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Mbalula accused Washington of trying to undermine South Africa’s sovereignty and transformation policies, including land reform aimed at redressing apartheid-era inequalities. Despite the US freezing financial aid earlier this year, the ANC remains defiant, vowing to pursue its agenda.
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