SA divided over US human rights report

By Johnathan Paoli

The release of the United States’ Human Rights Report has triggered contrasting political reactions in South Africa, exposing deep divisions over the country’s human rights record, foreign policy stance and relations with Washington.

The findings have been welcomed by some opposition parties, condemned outrightly by others, and formally rejected by the South African government.

It comes on the back of escalating tensions between the two countries. The government has said that the global report by US State Department is an inaccurate and deeply flawed account that fails to reflect the reality of the country’s constitutional democracy.  

Democratic Alliance spokesperson on international relations Ryan Smith stressed the urgency of repairing the strained relationship.

“The fact that such discord between the United States of America and South Africa is playing out so publicly further underpins the need for the urgent appointment of a competent ambassador in Washington D.C.