U.S. eyes $400 million lawsuit against Ramaphosa Africa watches in silence as diplomatic crisis brews.
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| Trump & Netanyahu AP Photo/ Susan Walsh) Ramaphosa Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images for Global Citizen)Buda Mendes/Getty Images for Global Citizen |
A recent report published in the Times of Israel has sparked a wave of controversy across diplomatic and media circles, suggesting the United States is preparing a $400 million lawsuit against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The basis of the lawsuit? Allegations that the South African government collaborated with Hamas ahead of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
The claims originating from UK consultant Justin Lewis have not been formally filed in any U.S. court. However, Lewis says he is advising U.S. lawmakers, investors, and financial institutions to take legal and economic action against South Africa. The accusations target not just the government but President Ramaphosa personally, asserting that South Africa had prior knowledge of the attack and chose to support Hamas rather than report the threat.
South Africa Responds: “Dangerous and Baseless”
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has forcefully denied the allegations, calling them “unverified, dangerous, and baseless.” In a public statement, DIRCO warned that such claims could damage bilateral relations and global diplomacy, especially when based on lobbying rather than verified evidence.
South African officials emphasized that no legal filing exists in U.S. courts and that the narrative being promoted is part of a politically motivated pressure campaign. According to DIRCO, this campaign misrepresents South Africa’s longstanding diplomatic stance supporting peace in the Middle East and the rights of Palestinians—positions that are not new or secret.
The Legal Angle: Can a Lawsuit Happen?
While no lawsuit has been filed yet, legal experts say that a case could be pursued under the 2019 U.S. “Promoting Security and Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.” This law allows U.S. citizens to sue foreign governments accused of supporting terrorism, bypassing the usual protections of sovereign immunity in such contexts.
If pursued, such a lawsuit would represent an unprecedented diplomatic escalation, placing South Africa in the crosshairs of U.S. courts, with potential economic and political fallout.
Economic Threats and Sanctions Pressure
In addition to legal threats, Lewis claims to have sent letters to the U.S. Treasury, members of Congress, and major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. He warns that South Africa’s sovereign bonds and trade relationships may come under strain, particularly through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers South Africa preferential access to U.S. markets.
His warning is stark: South Africa could face sanctions, rising bond yields, and investor flight if the issue escalates and legal action proceeds.
Africa’s Silence: Where Are the Continental Allies?
Perhaps the most glaring development so far is the silence of African leaders. No head of state on the continent has publicly defended or condemned the allegations against President Ramaphosa. Neither the African Union (AU) nor any major regional bloc has issued a statement.
This silence raises serious questions about continental unity and whether African leaders will eventually rally behind South Africa or distance themselves as pressure from Western powers intensifies.
What Comes Next?
While the allegations are still in the realm of advocacy and lobbying, observers warn that the situation could evolve rapidly. The key factors to watch include:
Area What to Look For
- Legal filings Confirmation of a formal lawsuit in a U.S. federal court.
- Diplomatic responses Statements from the African Union or allied governments.
- Financial market reactions Credit rating adjustments, bond market volatility.
- US government stance Clarity from the State Department or Treasury on policy.
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