The Media Review Network condemns the termination of AGOA, as imperial coercion, not legitimate trade policy.
Washington’s decision, enabled by its local proxies, and despite Pretoria’s extensive concessions, exposes the conditional, asymmetrical nature of this partnership.
The US cites vague ‘barriers’ and ‘national security’, yet South Africa has tabled concessions beyond those of 2015.
The sudden introduction of new issues outside 2025 negotiations reveals a pattern: when a sovereign nation refuses to capitulate, particularly on independent foreign policy, the US weaponises economic pain as punishment.
AGOA was never altruism; it integrated African economies into a US-centric world order.
The moment South Africa exercises sovereignty, the ‘benefits’ become leverage. The 60-day notice is a deliberate shock tactic to destabilise our economy and intimidate our polity.
This is a classic colonial/imperial tactic: the metropole withdrawing ‘privileges’ when the periphery refuses to toe the line.
We reject the notion that South Africa must choose between economic development and dignity.
MRN supports diversifying toward AfCFTA, BRICS, and the Global South, but true liberation demands restructuring our economy away from dependency on any imperial center.
We call for deepened intra-African trade and industrialisation, ensuring our critical minerals benefit Africans first. The termination is not a tragedy; it is a wake-up call exposing the fragility of relationships built on conditional favoir.
MRN stands with our government in rejecting coercion and demands a foreign policy prioritising dignity, sovereignty, and justice over crumbs.
Issued by:
Dr Ahmed Haroon Jazbhay
Executive Member:
Media Review Network
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