South Africa summons US ambassador for the third time

The South African Department of Foreign Affairs has summoned the U.S. ambassador to the country, Leo Brent Bozell III , for the third time in nine months, with the South African government accusing him of what it described as “un-diplomatic behavior.”

A senior official from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa confirmed that the ambassador was presented with a demarche , which is a diplomatic procedure through which one government formally communicates a complaint or protest to another government.

The official did not provide specific details regarding the reason for this action this time, but stated that this is the third time Ambassador Bozell has been summoned since he took up his ambassadorial position in South Africa nine months ago.

Relations between Pretoria and Washington have faced tensions in recent months, with both sides at odds over several issues, including South Africa's domestic policies and matters related to the historical inequalities stemming from the apartheid regime.

Ambassador Bozell was initially summoned within weeks of taking office, following remarks by South African officials that they claimed undermined the country's judiciary and understanding of its history.

Despite the diplomatic disputes, the South African government has stated that it remains open to dialogue and that both countries should continue efforts to resolve the issues at hand.