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4w ago

U.S. Ambassador-Designate Brent Bozell III Arrives in South Africa

The appointment lands at a tense moment, with U.S. pressure over Pretoria’s ICJ case against Israel likely to test relations.

Brent Bozell, Washington's ambassador-designate, is critical of several South African policies

Overview

  • The U.S. embassy confirmed Bozell is in country as ambassador-designate following his January swearing-in.
  • Bozell cannot formally take up the post until he presents credentials to President Cyril Ramaphosa, and no date has been set.
  • In Senate testimony, he listed priorities that include pressing South Africa to end its ICJ genocide case against Israel, advancing a refugee program for white South Africans, and promoting U.S. business interests.
  • Relations have deteriorated since 2025 under President Trump, with the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, suspension of U.S. aid, and steep tariffs on South African exports.
  • The Trump administration boycotted South Africa’s G20 in Johannesburg last year and has not invited the country to this year’s U.S.-hosted G20, while Pretoria has yet to appoint a new envoy to Washington.