The South African Parliament's International Relations Committee has announced plans to summon the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to explain the recent rebuke of US Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Bozell. This is the third time Bozell has been called to the Pretoria headquarters in nine months. The committee expressed concerns over Bozell’s undiplomatic conduct, which has strained bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the US State Department, Bozell was called to DIRCO to discuss bilateral relations. However, the department has not officially confirmed the rebuke. Bozell’s actions have sparked controversy, particularly after a series of interviews in which he claimed President Cyril Ramaphosa had not responded to a set of demands from Washington related to government policy. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, later disputed these claims.
Chairperson of Parliament’s International Relations Committee, Supra Mahumapelo, stated that diplomats should respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and not interfere in its internal affairs. He emphasized that public commentary undermining the decisions of the Constitutional Court and questioning domestic transformation policies is incompatible with diplomatic norms. The committee will seek a full briefing from DIRCO on the matter.
The recent tensions between South Africa and the US follow the announcement of visa restrictions against South Africans involved in race-based policies and land seizures. The US did not specify exactly who is being targeted. Mahumapelo called on all foreign missions accredited to South Africa to uphold the highest standards of diplomatic decorum.
The committee's concerns are centered on the manner in which Bozell has chosen to express his disagreements with South Africa's policies. They argue that such matters should be raised through established diplomatic channels, rather than through media interviews. This approach, they believe, would be more constructive and respectful of South Africa's sovereignty.
Bozell met with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the end of August in an attempt to recalibrate relations. Despite these efforts, the US ambassador's comments have continued to cause friction. The Parliament’s International Relations Committee is expected to engage with DIRCO in the coming days to address these issues and seek clarity on the situation.
The diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the US highlight the complexities of international relations and the importance of diplomatic etiquette. As both countries navigate their bilateral relationship, they must balance their interests with the need to maintain respectful and constructive communication. The outcome of the parliamentary committee's engagement with DIRCO will be closely watched.
Key points
- The South African Parliament's International Relations Committee to summon DIRCO over US Ambassador Leo Bozell’s rebuke.
- Bozell’s undiplomatic conduct has strained bilateral relations between South Africa and the US.
- The committee seeks a full briefing from DIRCO on the matter and emphasizes the importance of diplomatic decorum.
