Archive · 30 Sep 2026
South Africa Summons US Ambassador Again Over Undiplomatic Conduct
South Africa called in the United States ambassador to make a formal complaint.
This was the third complaint involving him in nine months.
South Africa said he had behaved in an undiplomatic way but did not explain exactly what he did.
The United States said the ambassador went to discuss the relationship between the two countries.
The countries disagree about President Donald Trump’s claims that white South Africans are being persecuted.
South Africa says its policies are meant to address inequalities left by apartheid.
The United States has also limited visas for some South Africans.
The ambassador has said South Africa has not done enough to address American concerns.
South Africa says it will keep talking but wants its sovereignty and domestic priorities respected.
South Africa summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III for a third formal diplomatic protest in nine months.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation cited alleged “undiplomatic conduct” but did not specify what prompted the protest.
The United States said Bozell went to discuss bilateral ties and urged South Africa to clarify the relationship it wants with Washington.
Relations are strained by President Donald Trump’s claims that white South Africans face systemic persecution, which South Africa rejects.
South Africa says it remains open to talks but will not compromise its sovereignty or efforts to address apartheid-era inequalities.
- Who
- South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation summoned US Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III; the dispute involves the governments of South Africa and the United States.
- What
- South Africa issued a third formal diplomatic protest over what it called the ambassador’s “undiplomatic conduct.” The United States said the meeting concerned bilateral ties.
- When
- Tuesday, September 30; the protest was the third since Bozell began his duties nine months earlier.
- Where
- The meeting took place at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Johannesburg, while Bozell serves in Pretoria.
- Why
- South Africa cited alleged undiplomatic conduct amid wider disagreements over US criticism of South African policies, diplomatic relations and domestic affairs.
South Africa’s position
US position
Diplomatic conduct
South Africa’s position
South Africa described the ambassador’s conduct as undiplomatic and issued a third formal protest, without publicly detailing the conduct.
US position
The United States said Bozell went to the South African foreign affairs department to discuss bilateral ties and rejected dialogue it viewed as procedural delay or manoeuvring.
Domestic policies and persecution claims
South Africa’s position
South Africa rejects claims that white South Africans face systemic persecution and says its policies address inequalities that persist from apartheid.
US position
President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that white South Africans face systemic persecution, while Washington says South Africa has not adequately addressed its concerns.
Future bilateral relations
South Africa’s position
South Africa says it is willing to engage in talks but will not compromise its sovereignty or domestic priorities.
US position
The State Department said the responsibility is now with South Africa’s government to outline the relationship it wants with the United States and indicated that further pressure could follow.
- Diplomatic action
- South Africa issued a demarche, or formal diplomatic protest.
- Number of protests
- This was the third demarche involving Ambassador Bozell in nine months.
- Ambassador
- Leo Brent Bozell III arrived in Pretoria in February as President Donald Trump’s envoy.
- US position
- The State Department said Bozell went to discuss bilateral ties and said South Africa should outline the relationship it wants with the United States.
- US visa measures
- The United States unveiled visa restrictions on some South Africans two weeks before the report.
- South African position
- South Africa says its sovereignty must be respected and that it will continue addressing historical injustices.
- Ongoing dialogue
- South Africa’s foreign affairs department said both sides remain committed to resolving outstanding matters.