The United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, has apologised to the country over a false arms allegation against the government of South Africa.

According to South Africa’s foreign ministry, the US ambassador, , had “unconditionally apologized” for suggesting the country provided weapons to Russia.

The US ambassador triggered tension between the two nations when he said last December that a Russian ship was loaded with ammunition and weaponry at Cape Town.

South Africa rejected the claim saying it had no record of an arms transaction, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has since launched an investigation.

The White House’s national security spokesperson refused to comment on the specifics of the claims.

Recall that Pretoria had summoned the U.S. ambassador on Friday, amid a diplomatic crisis that has put relations between the two friendly nations at their lowest state in recent time.

After the meeting, South Africa issued a statement saying that Brigety admitted that he crossed the line and apologized unreservedly to the government and the people of South Africa.

Speaking via social media after meeting the foreign ministry, Mr Brigety said he was “grateful for the opportunity to… correct any misimpressions left by my public remarks.”

The US diplomat added that he “re-affirmed the strong partnership between our two countries and the important agenda our presidents have given us.”

Meanwhile a South African cabinet minister condemned the “megaphone diplomacy”, by Mr. Brigety, saying South Africa could not be “bullied by the US”.

South Africa is one of a few nations who have abstained from a series of UN votes on the crisis and has failed to publicly denounce Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, saying that it is non-aligned on the conflict.

Washington has warned that countries providing material support to Russia may be denied access to U.S. markets and face other sanctions.

i-News Nigeria