Talks between US and South Africa

US and South African representatives attended preliminary talks on resources agreements, a sign that ties may be improving after months of tension.

Relations between Washington and Africa’s biggest economy have eroded since the start of US President Donald Trump’s second term, with the American leader accusing South Africa of carrying out a “genocide” of its white population.

Though the claims have been dismissed by experts, they have nonetheless prompted Washington to impose significant levies on Pretoria, pushing the country closer to China’s sphere of influence. However the White House’s recent drive to increase its access to African mineral resources has raised hopes of better ties.