French president Emmanuel Macron. Image: Mohammed Badra
Bold support from France which now rejects the ‘white genocide’ narrative, added international weight to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stance.
The senior adviser, Jérémie Robert, to French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed the “white genocide” narrative. He publicly dismissed it, stating it is unfounded. He believes it is politically motivated.
The statement comes amid renewed global attention on South Africa’s domestic policies and rising tensions with the United States.
The G20 Leaders Summit now stands just four days away and the US are still boycotting attending the event entirely. This may impact their eligibility to host the G20 on american soil next year.
France’s Stance:
France Stands Against “White Genocide” Narrative
Robert said they are working hard and want to ensure meaningful discussions continue at the G20 Summit. This effort persists despite the absence of the United States.
According to senior diplomat Jean-Claude Morfouace, sherpas have been negotiating throughout the year.
The US participated in early talks. He expressed hope that the summit week would still produce robust outcomes. South Africa had received positive engagement in ministerial tracks. France, he added, views climate change as a key priority.
The Sunday Times asked whether France believes there is a genocide in South Africa. Robert responded firmly: “No, absolutely not. That’s not our view or assessment.” He clarified that such claims reflect a misuse of terminology.
Robert also said that President Ramaphosa met with Donald Trump at the Oval Office. After this meeting, France felt a strong sense of solidarity. This was with Ramaphosa and the South African people.
Retraction of ‘White Genocide’
President Ramaphosa has taken a firm stance against what he calls “distorted and dangerous” claims. “We are not going to pander to anyone. We are going to take fundamental decisions. If they aren’t present, they will miss out. He was referring to the US’s decision to skip the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
Ramaphosa has framed the controversy as part of a broader attempt to discredit South Africa’s transformation agenda.
Amid the controversy, civil rights group AfriForum has found itself at the centre of the storm. The organisation faced widespread accusations of promoting the “white genocide” narrative. However, its leadership has now distanced itself from the term.
“We never said there is white genocide in South Africa,” AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel to Newzroom Afrika.
He added that the group is being scapegoated for the diplomatic fallout between South Africa and the United States. Kriel insisted that AfriForum has consistently framed violent crime as a national crisis affecting all communities, not just white farmers.
The group’s denial comes as the FW de Klerk Foundation also condemned Trump’s remarks, warning that such rhetoric deepens racial polarisation and damages South Africa’s international reputation
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