South Africa has responded to the United States threats and baseless allegations, also told them that its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law is non-negotiable.
“The recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs was conducted in strict accordance with South African immigration law. These individuals were engaged in work without the necessary work permits. The government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law,” said the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
The South African government has dismissed the allegations that Home Affairs representatives mistreated the United States officials which were in the same office with the Kenyans during the raid.
“Separately, we have noted an unsubstantiated allegation regarding the private information of U.S. officials. South Africa treats all matters of data security with the utmost seriousness and operates under stringent legal and diplomatic protocols. We categorically reject any suggestion of state involvement in such actions," added the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
The South African government has told U.S. that their bilateral relationship must be based on mutual respect and factual dialogue.
“Nonetheless, we remain committed to principled and transparent diplomacy. Official channels have been opened with the United States government to seek clarity on this allegation and to reinforce that our bilateral engagements must be grounded in mutual respect and factual dialogue,” concluded the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.