Trump's nomination of Leo Brent Bozell is a declaration of war against SA

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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says the nomination of Leo Brent Bozell III as the United States Ambassador to South Africa is not a mere diplomatic appointment but a calculated act of aggression and a blatant declaration of war against sovereignty, dignity and aspirations of the South African people.

Leo Brent Brozell III is set to replace Reuben Brigety who quit earlier this year.

EFF SLAMS NOMINATION OF LEO BRENT BROZELL III

Brozel’s nomination comes amid strained relations between SA and the US and just days after South Africa’s Ambassador to the US was expelled and declared a persona non grata for criticising the country and President Donald Trump.

Reacting to Brozell’s nomination, the EFF said it is clear that Trump has no intention of mending the already strained relationship between the two countries but instead seeks to deepen the divide and impose his imperialist agenda on South African soil.

The party said Brozell is no ordinary diplomat, he is a well-documented conservative idealogue, a fierce defender of right-wing extremism and a man whose career has been built on advancing narratives that undermine progressive values and perpetuate divisions.

‘TRUMP IS AGGRESSIVELY TARGETING SOUTH AFRICA’

The Red Berets said they view Leo Brent Bozell’s nomination as a clear indication that Trump is aggressively targeting South Africa.

“Far from seeking reconciliation or mutual respect, Trump’s administration is doubling down on its contempt for our country’s stance on international justice,including our courageous efforts to hold Israel accountable at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for genocide in Gaza.

“Bozell’s nomination is a continuation of this hostility, a move designed to install a figurehead who will serve as a mouthpiece for Trump’s divisive and supremacist ideology rather than a bridge for diplomacy. This is not an ambassador of peace; this is an emissary of provocation.

“Let us be clear: Bozell is a white supremacist whose values stand in direct opposition to the principles of equality, justice and liberation that define South Africa’s struggle and identity. His track record reveals a man who has consistently aligned himself with forces that seek to preserve privilege and power for a select few; at the expense of the marginalised and oppressed,” the party said.

FF PLUS WANTS TO MEET WITH THE NOMINATED AMBASSADOR

In contrast, the Freedom Front Plus has welcomed Trump’s appointment of Leo Brent Bozell III to succeed Reuben Brigety as ambassador to South Africa saying it shows that South Africa is still high on the American agenda.

FF Plus leader Corne Mulder said Leo Brent Bozell’s appointment is not for nothing. He is a veteran conservative media commentator, media expert, and political activist.

“Clearly the Trump administration wants a representative in South Africa who will keep their ear to the ground so as to keep Trump up to date with political developments and the South African media’s role and message,” Mulder said.

Although the appointment still needs to be finalised through a process in Congress and the Senate, among other things, according to all indications it is a done deal given the Republicans’ majority in the Senate.

“If Bozell does accept the position, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) would like to meet with him to bring him up to speed with what is happening in South Africa in the party’s view,” Mulder said.