In a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and South Africa, Washington has announced the immediate suspension of military assistance and cooperation with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The decision marks a sharp deterioration in diplomatic relations, with far-reaching implications for both nations.
US Cites Executive Order in Halting Military Aid
A confidential US Department of State memo, dated March 13, 2025, reveals that the decision aligns with an executive order originally signed by former President Donald Trump. The directive, addressed to Aaron Harding, Chief Financial Officer of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA), instructs an immediate halt to all foreign aid and military assistance to South Africa.
Key suspended programs include:
- International Military Education and Training (IMET)
- Foreign Military Financing (FMF)
- Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
The memo also specifies that any South African military personnel currently undergoing training or education in the US must be sent home immediately.
Bilateral Peacekeeping and Defence Agreements Paused
The classified document further directs that all bilateral and multilateral peacekeeping operations (PKO) involving South Africa be suspended. No new agreements will be approved, and modifications to existing ones will not be permitted.
While the extent of US-South African military cooperation remains unclear, the memo highlights concerns over financial obligations for peacekeeping missions and military assistance provisions.
A section of the memo reads: “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.”
South Africa Responds to Washington’s Decision
The US government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the leaked memo. However, when contacted for comment, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stated that the letter was not formally addressed to their department. Instead, they recommended that media inquiries be directed to the US Embassy or the White House administration.
Meanwhile, Pretoria has taken a firm stance. The ANC has declared that “they will not be bullied by the US”, signaling a continued defiance against Washington’s diplomatic pressure.
Tensions Between the US and South Africa Continue to Mount
The suspension of military assistance is the latest flashpoint in an increasingly strained relationship between Washington and Pretoria. Tensions have been growing since the Trump administration, largely due to:
- South Africa’s neutral stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- The US cutting funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), reducing South Africa’s annual AIDS response budget by 17%
- South Africa’s legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the country of genocide— a move publicly opposed by former President Trump
- South African Ambassador to the US, Ibrahim Rassol, being declared persona non grata
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the future of US-South Africa relations remains uncertain, with both nations now at a diplomatic crossroads.
