US Threatens Sanctions on South Africa Over ANC's Foreign Policy—Diplomatic Tensions Soar

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has advanced a bill that could lead to sanctions against South African government and ANC officials, citing concerns over South Africa's foreign policy, particularly its ties with Russia, Iran, and BRICS. The proposed legislation calls for a comprehensive review of US-South Africa relations and could impose targeted sanctions on ANC leaders, potentially including President Cyril Ramaphosa. South African officials, including Ramaphosa, have expressed confusion and concern over the US's motives, warning of possible economic fallout such as tariffs on exports. The move has sparked debate within both countries, with some viewing it as an attempt to pressure South Africa to align more closely with US interests, while others warn it could damage decades of diplomatic relations. The bill still needs to pass further legislative hurdles before becoming law, but it has already heightened diplomatic tensions and uncertainty about the future of US-South Africa relations.