South Africa summons US ambassador for third time in nine months

South Africa has summoned U.S. Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III for the third time in nine months, citing his "undiplomatic conduct." Bozell, who assumed his role in February, expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa's actions in an opinion article published on the U.S. embassy's website. The summons came shortly after Bozell's article, which accused South Africa of harboring a "hostility" towards the United States.

This is the third such demarche since Bozell began his duties nine months ago, marking a record for diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The disagreements have encompassed a range of issues, including South Africa's legal action against Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks regarding the alleged persecution of white Afrikaners, and South Africa's land ownership and Black economic empowerment policies.

In response, the U.S. announced visa restrictions in mid-September targeting South Africans accused of promoting "race-based discrimination, inciting violence, or enabling land confiscation without compensation." Despite the tensions, both countries have expressed a commitment to resolving outstanding issues.