South Africa: Demonstration in Pretoria on November 16

Event

Civil society groups have called for a demonstration to be held in front of the US Embassy in Pretoria on Friday, November 17. According to organizers, the demonstration is being staged to protest a perceived increase in the number of attacks targeting white farmers. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the demonstration.

Context

In August, US President Donald Trump asked Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to study the issue of alleged "land seizures from white farmers" and the "large-scale killing of farmers" in South Africa, a move criticized as "misinformed" by the South African government. Multiple sources have refuted the claim that any such murder campaign targeting white farmers is underway.  

Advice

Individuals in Pretoria are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.