Trump speaks of « genocide » of white farmers in South Africa – Diepresse.com

The first group of white South Africans, to whom the US government has granted refugee status, has arrived in the American capital Washington. From there they travel to different US countries where they will settle, several US media reported-including the « New York Times » and the « Washington Post“. The approximately 50 men, women and children were flown from the airport in Johannesburg in South Africa on Sunday evening.

The government of US President Donald Trump promises you quick naturalization. Shortly before her arrival, Trump spoke of a « genocide » of white farmers in South Africa. He accused the media of hiding violence.

Right conspiracy theory

Experts contradict Trump’s presentation, with which he takes over a conspiracy theory spread in right -wing extremist circles from the alleged « white genocide ». There are violent crime in South Africa that also affects farmers – but across all population groups. According to the South African media scientist Nicky Falkof, the myth specifically takes up deep fears of many whites – for example, to be disadvantaged or displaced – and at the same time represents them illegally as particularly threatened victims.

Trump expressly made the skin color of the farmers on the subject, but at the same time explained: « I don’t care whether they are white or black. »

Contrast to restrictive US refugee policy

Washington announced in February to grant white South Africans with reference to racist discrimination and violence. The step is in contrast to Trump’s restrictive refugee policy towards people from other regions of the world.

Trump accuses the South African government of discrimination against white minorities, especially the African. These were in power during South Africa’s racist apartheid era (1948-1994), during which the black majority of the country was systematically discriminated against. Trump expressed special criticism of a new law on expropriation from land, which is said to be aimed at white farmers in South Africa.

Law should compensate for historical injustice

The law allows land to exprude the country in the public interest in order to compensate for injustice that arose during apartheid. At that time, land was systematically distributed by ethnic point of view, especially to white South Africans. The law provides for compensation payments for landowners. As a result, expropriations may only take place if previous employment negotiations have been unsuccessful. So far, the law has not yet been applied.

Washington had already frozen aid for South Africa due to the law in early February. South Africa then accused the United States « a campaign of disinformation and propaganda ». (APA)