South Africa has summoned United States Ambassador L. Brent Bozell III for the third time in nine months, escalating diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Washington over a series of disagreements affecting bilateral relations.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed that Bozell was called in on Tuesday to address concerns over his recent public comments about the South African government and its handling of issues raised by the United States.
The latest démarche follows a series of media interviews in which the ambassador reportedly criticised Pretoria’s approach to matters including rural security, investment protection and broader strategic relations with Washington.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s handling of the relationship and suggested that US patience was wearing thin.
South African officials did not identify a specific statement that triggered the latest summons. However, the repeated diplomatic reprimands underline the growing strain between the two countries since Bozell assumed office nine months ago.
According to Dirco, the latest démarche is the third issued to the ambassador during his tenure, making it an unprecedented number for a US envoy serving in South Africa.
Despite the tensions, Pretoria says diplomatic channels remain open and discussions are continuing over the outstanding issues between the two governments.
Both sides are expected to continue engagements aimed at addressing their differences and preventing the strained relationship from deteriorating further.
