Overview

• President Trump accused South African President Cyril Ramaphosa of allowing a 'white genocide' during a publicized Oval Office meeting on May 21, using coordinated media tactics to amplify the claim.
• Ramaphosa denied the accusation, reaffirming South Africa's democratic institutions and dismissing claims of genocide as baseless during a press conference following the meeting.
• The Trump administration has prioritized commercial engagement in Africa, signing $6 billion in contracts and securing mineral deals, while scaling back traditional diplomacy by closing embassies and consulates.
• A recent agreement with Rwanda's Trinity Metals grants the U.S. access to critical '3T' minerals, bypassing unresolved conflicts in the Great Lakes region.
• The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) faces uncertain renewal as the U.S. demands trade reciprocity, leveraging the September 2025 expiration to renegotiate terms with African nations.