The image shows a man in a suit and glasses, speaking into a microphone during a diplomatic event in South Africa.
Donald Trump’s newly appointed ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, has arrived in Pretoria, stepping into a strained diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Since Trump’s return to the White House last year, he has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, levied steep tariffs, cut off aid, and expelled the country’s previous ambassador. Bozell, a conservative activist, steps into the fray with a packed agenda that could either calm the storm or stir up more waves. He plans to push South Africa to drop its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice—a delicate ask given Pretoria’s unwavering support for Palestinian rights. He’ll also advance Trump’s refugee program for white South Africans, while trying to boost business ties. Whether Bozell’s promised respectful approach can overcome deeply entrenched disagreements remains the crucial question.
CNBC Africa