South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as the country’s new ambassador to the United States, in a move aimed at stabilising strained diplomatic relations.
The position had remained vacant since Ebrahim Rasool was expelled last year after criticising Donald Trump, accusing him of promoting “white victimhood”. That incident further damaged ties between the two countries, which have deteriorated since Trump’s return to office.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson confirmed that Meyer’s appointment takes effect immediately.
Meyer, 78, is a veteran political figure who played a central role in negotiations that ended apartheid in the 1990s. Representing the National Party, he worked closely with Ramaphosa, who was then part of the African National Congress (ANC) led by Nelson Mandela. The two men developed a lasting relationship during that period.
He later served as constitutional affairs minister in the final apartheid-era government and joined the government of national unity formed in 1994. Meyer eventually co-founded the United Democratic Movement and later became a member of the ANC.
His appointment comes at a sensitive time, as tensions between Pretoria and Washington remain high. Trump has repeatedly claimed that white Afrikaners are being persecuted in South Africa—an assertion widely dismissed by the South African government. Ramaphosa has described such claims as “completely false”.
Reactions within South Africa have been divided. Some political figures have praised the decision as strategic, citing Meyer’s experience and negotiation skills. Others, including opposition voices, have criticised the choice, pointing to his age and questioning the political message it sends.
Right-wing Afrikaner groups have also opposed the appointment. Kallie Kriel of AfriForum described Meyer as aligned with the ANC, while the Solidarity Movement expressed concern that the decision could deepen mistrust within Afrikaner communities.
Despite earlier remarks by Meyer himself suggesting he might be too old for such a demanding role, Ramaphosa defended the appointment, saying Meyer is well-suited to represent the country.
Analysts have largely supported the move, arguing that Meyer’s background and diplomatic experience could prove valuable in dealing with a challenging US administration. Some also see the appointment of a white Afrikaner as a direct counter to claims of racial persecution in South Africa.
Experts note that one of the key challenges ahead will be securing acceptance of Meyer’s diplomatic credentials in Washington, a process that could test already fragile relations between the two nations.
About the author
Togo recruits 1204 new public finance agents
Au Togo, 1204 nouveaux agents vont intégrer la fonction publique au sein du ministère de l’Économie et des Finances. Ils ont été déclarés admis à l’issue du concours organisé le 21 décembre 2024, dont les résultats ont été publiés le 23 avril 2026 par le ministère de la Fonction publique. Les candidats retenus présentent des profils variés couvrant plusieurs domaines techniques. Parmi eux figurent des administrateurs des finances, des analystes financiers, des auditeurs-contrôleurs de gestion, des fiscalistes, des ingénieurs statisticiens économistes, ainsi que des économistes planificateurs. Le recrutement inclut également des économétriciens, des inspecteurs du Trésor, des macroéconomistes, des spécialistes en finance bancaire, des experts en passation de marchés publics et des administrateurs civils. Cette opération vise à renforcer les capacités de l’administration publique en améliorant à la fois les effectifs et la qualité des compétences. Elle s’inscrit dans une […]
PIA boosts regional logistics ties with Congo
Au Togo, la Plateforme industrielle d’Adétikopé (PIA) poursuit sa dynamique d’ouverture régionale. Le site a récemment accueilli une délégation du Port autonome de Pointe-Noire, en provenance de la République du Congo, dans le cadre d’une mission de travail dédiée aux synergies logistiques et industrielles. Conduite par Fortuné Mbouma-Peya, conseiller du directeur général du port congolais, la délégation a échangé avec les responsables de la PIA sur les opportunités de coopération entre plateformes portuaires et zones industrielles. Les discussions ont notamment porté sur le partage d’expertises, l’optimisation des chaînes d’approvisionnement et le développement d’infrastructures logistiques intégrées. L’objectif est de renforcer l’efficacité des corridors régionaux et d’améliorer la compétitivité des infrastructures africaines face aux standards internationaux. Cette démarche s’inscrit dans une volonté plus large de soutenir la transformation locale des économies et de favoriser la création de valeur ajoutée sur le continent. […]
Togo opens new agricultural mechanization hub
Le Togo a franchi une nouvelle étape dans la modernisation de son agriculture avec la mise en service du Centre régional de mécanisation agricole (CRMA) de Tové, dans la région des Plateaux. L’inauguration, tenue le 23 avril 2026 dans le cadre des célébrations de l’indépendance, a été présidée par le président de l’Assemblée nationale, Komi Sélom Klassou. Conçu pour couvrir la zone Plateaux-Ouest, ce centre ambitionne d’améliorer les performances du secteur agricole en facilitant l’accès à des services essentiels. Il propose notamment des solutions de mécanisation, la mise à disposition d’intrants, ainsi que des analyses de sols grâce à un laboratoire mobile. Des services logistiques, des formations et un accompagnement technique sont également offerts aux producteurs. À terme, plus de 600 000 agriculteurs devraient bénéficier de cette infrastructure, pensée pour répondre aux défis d’un secteur en pleine transformation. L’objectif est […]
Togo launches national food safety lab
Le Togo a franchi une nouvelle étape dans le renforcement du contrôle de la qualité alimentaire avec l’inauguration du Laboratoire national de sécurité sanitaire et phytosanitaire des aliments (LaNSA). La cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence de Jean-Lucien Kwassi Lanyo Savi de Tové et du président du Sénat, Barry Moussa Barqué, dans le cadre des célébrations de l’indépendance. Ce nouvel établissement public, doté d’une autonomie financière, a pour mission de renforcer la surveillance sanitaire des denrées alimentaires sur l’ensemble du territoire. Il s’inscrit dans la stratégie nationale visant à protéger la santé des populations tout en améliorant la qualité des productions agricoles. Le LaNSA intervient à plusieurs niveaux, notamment dans le contrôle des produits mis sur le marché, l’accompagnement des producteurs et l’amélioration des pratiques agroalimentaires. Il joue également un rôle clé dans la prévention des fraudes et la réduction des […]
Togo-France ties strengthened after Lomé talks
Le Président du Conseil, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, a reçu ce jeudi 23 avril 2026 à Lomé le ministre français des Affaires étrangères, Jean-Noël Barrot, en visite officielle dans le cadre d’une mission diplomatique. Les échanges ont permis de passer en revue les principaux axes de la coopération entre le Togo et la France, avec un accent particulier sur les relations économiques et commerciales. Les deux parties ont réaffirmé leur volonté de renforcer un partenariat jugé stratégique et mutuellement bénéfique. À l’issue de l’audience, le chef de la diplomatie française a salué la qualité des discussions, mettant en avant la détermination des autorités des deux pays à insuffler une nouvelle dynamique à leur coopération. Il a notamment souligné l’engagement conjoint du président togolais et du président français, Emmanuel Macron, à consolider les liens bilatéraux. Au-delà des aspects économiques, les discussions ont […]
Ringo Starr reflects on music and new album
Ringo Starr welcomed us to the iconic Sunset Marquis Hotel, a long-time retreat for rock legends tucked behind the Sunset Strip. The setting matched the mood—relaxed, informal, and focused on music. The former The Beatles drummer, officially knighted as Richard Starkey, brushed aside formal titles with humor. “Call me Richard if you want,” he joked, before steering the conversation back to what matters most to him—his music. At 85, Starr remains energetic and creative, promoting his new country album Long Long Road. The project marks a shift toward Nashville-inspired sounds, even as he continues to embrace his Los Angeles lifestyle. “I’ve always loved the attitude of LA,” he said, highlighting the city’s influence on his life since the 1970s. The album features collaborations with artists like Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings and St. Vincent. Starr emphasized his preference for working with […]
Related
Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Iran peace talks stall
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks even as U.S. efforts to secure a broader peace deal with Iran remain stuck. President Donald Trump announced the extension in Washington on Thursday after meeting the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, saying he believed “there’s a very good chance of having peace” and calling it “an easy one” to achieve, despite recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed rocket fire from Iran backed Hezbollah. The initial truce between Israel and Lebanon had been due to expire on Sunday. At the same time, Trump signalled he is in no hurry to end the wider war with Iran, warning that “the clock is ticking” for Tehran as a third U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, arrived in the Middle East to join two other carriers already operating […]
US boards tanker in Iran oil blockade push
The US Department of Defense has confirmed that American forces boarded a tanker suspected of carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, marking the latest escalation in Washington’s naval campaign against Tehran. According to officials, the operation targeted the vessel M/T Majestic X and was conducted as part of a “maritime interdiction” — a naval procedure used to inspect or seize ships believed to be violating international sanctions or supporting hostile activities. This move follows a broader maritime blockade imposed by the United States on 13 April, aimed at restricting traffic to and from Iranian ports. Since then, United States Central Command says dozens of vessels have been ordered to turn back, as enforcement efforts intensify across key shipping routes. Tensions have risen further after Donald Trump instructed the US Navy to take direct action against any boats suspected of […]
Russia faces backlash over internet curbs
Near the Kremlin, dozens of people recently gathered outside the presidential administration building to submit petitions urging authorities to ease restrictions on internet access. While such actions are legal in Russia, they carry risks in a climate of increasing control over digital space. In recent weeks, Russian authorities have tightened oversight of the internet. Access to global messaging platforms has been restricted, and mobile internet disruptions—including temporary shutdowns—have been reported in several regions. Officials say these measures are necessary for security purposes, particularly to prevent potential attacks. The atmosphere around these petitions is tense. Participants acknowledge the risks involved, with reports of security personnel monitoring and filming those taking part. Despite this, many say they feel compelled to speak out. For citizens and businesses alike, the impact is tangible. Entrepreneurs note that restrictions on platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp […]
US soldier charged over Maduro insider betting
A US special forces soldier has been arrested after allegedly using classified military information to profit from bets placed before the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro became public. According to the US Department of Justice, the soldier, identified as Gannon Ken Van Dyke, is accused of placing a series of trades on a prediction platform while directly involved in planning the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest in January. Prosecutors say he used sensitive, nonpublic information to anticipate the outcome and timing of the mission. Investigators allege that Van Dyke created an account in late December 2025 and placed multiple transactions linked to political developments in Venezuela. In total, he reportedly invested more than $33,000 and generated profits exceeding $400,000 once the operation was carried out. The military operation, carried out overnight on 3 January, resulted in Maduro and […]
Everest route blocked by massive glacier
A massive block of glacier is currently obstructing the main climbing route on Mount Everest, raising concerns as the peak climbing season begins in Nepal. Positioned just below Camp 1, the ice formation—known as a serac—stands about 30 meters high and has proven impossible to bypass safely. Teams of “icefall doctors,” responsible for securing ropes and ladders along the route, say there is no viable alternative path for now. Their only option is to wait for the ice to naturally weaken and collapse, which they hope will happen within days. This unexpected obstacle has delayed preparations significantly. By this time of year, routes are typically secured up to Camp 3, but work has stalled roughly 600 meters below Camp 1. The delay could compress the already short climbing window, increasing the risk of overcrowding as climbers attempt to summit within […]
Trump sees UK royal visit boosting ties
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help strengthen ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump described the British monarch as “a fantastic man” and said the visit would have a positive impact on bilateral relations. The four-day trip, scheduled to begin next week, will include meetings at the White House and an address by the King to Congress. The visit comes at a time of visible tensions between Washington and London, particularly over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump also commented on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting the British leader could improve his standing if he adjusted his policies on immigration and energy. Starmer, however, has maintained that his decisions are guided by national […]
Be the first to leave a comment