The South African government summons U.S. Ambassador Bowser to explain behavior that is inconsistent with diplomatic norms

The South African government recently summoned Bowser, the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, and asked him to "explain his behavior that is inconsistent with diplomatic norms." Pictured is Bowser. (AP)

An official from the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 30th that the government recently summoned the US Ambassador to South Africa, Brent Bozell, and asked him to "explain his behavior that is not in compliance with diplomatic norms."

According to a report by Agence France-Presse, Bowser took office as the U.S. ambassador to South Africa in February. At the time, South Africa's bilateral relationship with the United States was already strained over a range of issues, including South Africa's genocide case against U.S. ally Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump's claims that Afrikaners were being persecuted in South Africa.

Bowser was summoned to the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 29th. South Africa's foreign ministry officials noted that he had been summoned to explain his behavior that was inconsistent with diplomatic norms. The official did not say what conduct Bowser was cited for.

It is worth noting that before Bowser was summoned, he gave a series of interviews to the South African media, and the relevant remarks seemed to be critical of the South African government. In addition, Bowser's summons by the South African government is the third time he has been summoned nine months since he took office as ambassador.

Bowser was first summoned by the South African government in March. At that time, he was summoned by the South African government for making remarks that were seen as undermining South Africa's judicial and historical background.