The US needs to understand that there are no human rights violations or land grabs in South Africa, Elias Phaahla, professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg, told Sputnik Africa.
According to Phaahla, the US under President Donald Trump is undermining both the international system and national sovereignty, exemplified by the US handling of the Gaza Strip issue, where it acts as if it can simply seize territory from the Palestinians.
The reason for Washington's pressure on South Africa is not only the "misinformation" surrounding the land issue in the African country, but also South Africa's relations with BRICS, the professor noted. The growing alignment of Global South countries, including South Africa, with China and Russia signals a shift toward a multipolar world and raises concerns for the US, he added.
He stressed that Africa needs to realize it has no right to expect aid from America, as Africans are neither US citizens nor taxpayers. In this context, South-South cooperation is crucial, encompassing not just market access but also mutual humanitarian assistance, he noted. Africa needs to develop its own solutions to adapt to threats of aid withdrawal, Phaahla concluded.