By Micah Jonah
January 8, 2026
The United States and South Africa have reached a quiet agreement, allowing Washington to continue its controversial refugee programme for white South Africans, despite growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
According to an internal meeting summary reviewed by Reuters, South African officials assured U.S. diplomats during a closed-door meeting in late December that Pretoria would not interfere with the programme, even though it rejects claims that white South Africans face genocide or systemic persecution.
The assurances followed a rare, highly contentious raid by South African authorities on a U.S. refugee processing site in Johannesburg, an incident that saw the arrest of foreign contractors and the brief detention of U.S. refugee officers, triggering backlash from Washington.
At the meeting, U.S. Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard was told that while South Africa disagreed with the premise of the refugee programme, it would respect the right of its citizens to relocate, would not obstruct U.S. refugee operations, provided they comply with local laws.
However, South African officials offered limited commitment to fully investigate the leak of a U.S. refugee officer’s passport image, an incident described by U.S. officials as harassment. While one senior official downplayed the issue, another acknowledged the need for further scrutiny.
The refugee initiative, launched by President Donald Trump, prioritizes white South Africans of Afrikaner descent. South Africa has repeatedly dismissed the programme as being based on false claims and far-right conspiracy theories.
Despite public disagreements, the meeting summary suggests both governments are now seeking to de-escalate tensions, improve diplomatic communication – following months of strained relations.
