EU Backs South Africa Amid Tensions with US Over Sanctions

The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to deepen ties with South Africa days after US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Pretoria and announced America’s absence from the upcoming G20 summit.

EU President Antonio Costa said he looked forward to the South Africa-EU summit scheduled for March 13, highlighting South Africa as a “reliable and predictable partner.”

Mr Costa also expressed the EU’s full support for South Africa’s leadership of the G20 and its ambition to strengthen multilateral cooperation to tackle global challenges.

“I look forward to our South Africa-EU Summit … to consolidate our strong bilateral partnership and to discuss regional developments as well as continental and global issues,” Mr Costa said.

The show of support comes after Trump accused South Africa of oppressing white farmers, a claim Pretoria has repeatedly denied.

Last week, Trump announced sanctions against South Africa, citing human rights abuses and discriminatory land reforms, and confirmed he would not attend the G20 meeting set to be held in South Africa.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the EU’s backing, stating that the partnership underscores shared values of democracy, human rights, dignity, and equality.

He also noted Costa’s encouragement of South Africa’s efforts to form a Government of National Unity, which he said demonstrated a strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

“I welcome the engagement with EU President António Costa … and look forward to working together to ensure a successful G20 in line with our chosen theme and in tackling the most pressing global challenges,” Mr Ramaphosa said.

South Africa has faced international scrutiny over its land reform policies, which seek to redistribute land to the Black majority, a legacy of apartheid-era dispossession.

Mr Trump’s remarks on white farmers have been criticised as inflammatory, with South African officials accusing him of misrepresenting the situation.

The South Africa-EU summit is expected to address regional security, economic cooperation, and global issues, including climate change and international trade.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org