Cape Town – The United States has reportedly suspended military assistance and cooperation with South Africa, marking a further deterioration in bilateral relations.
According to reports, a memo from the US Department of State, dated March 13, outlines the decision, which follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
The directive, sent to Aaron Harding, CFO of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, mandates the immediate suspension of all foreign aid and military assistance to South Africa.
The suspension includes key programmes such as International Military Education and Training (IMET), Foreign Military Financing (FMF), and Foreign Military Sales (FMS), along with the recall of South African military personnel currently in the US for training, Sunday Times reported.
US cuts defence ties, co-operation with SA.@SundayTimesZA pic.twitter.com/7OEVGK1xNT
— Megan S. (@SimplyMegszcpt) March 30, 2025
“Please ensure this guidance is widely disseminated to the Department of Defence programme managers and other stakeholders to ensure we are meeting this direction as soon as possible,” the letter reads, according to IOL.
Additionally, all peacekeeping operations involving South Africa will be paused, the report said.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries, largely driven by South Africa’s neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its legal action against Israel, which the Trump administration opposed.
Pretoria has rejected US pressure, with the ANC stating it will not be “bullied” by the US.
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