Senior US diplomat in South Africa resigns

Dana Brown resigned as US Chargé d’Affaires in South Africa amid rising tensions, with personal reasons cited for her unexpected departure.

Dana Brown resigned as U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in South Africa. Image via .Pexels

Dana Brown, a senior US diplomat and Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in South Africa, resigned unexpectedly after a distinguished 20-year career. Her sudden departure surprised officials and added to ongoing diplomatic uncertainty.

Resignation of US diplomat

In late February 2025, Dana Brown announced her immediate resignation from her role as Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.

She had taken on the position in August 2024, following the departure of her predecessor, Todd Haskell.

Haskell’s exit had been part of routine diplomatic rotations, but Brown’s sudden resignation raised questions about the stability of US diplomatic leadership in South Africa.

According to The Citizen, the initial announcement did not specify her reasons for stepping down.

However, reports later indicated that Brown’s decision was due to personal circumstances, with plans to retire from the US Foreign Service in March 2025.

Her departure came amid increasing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria, particularly concerning South Africa’s alleged arms shipments to Russia.

The resignation also followed the exit of Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II in January 2025, who stepped down after publicly accusing South Africa of supplying arms to Russia.

While Brown did not cite political factors in her decision, the timing fuelled speculation about pressures within US diplomatic ranks.

US. Diplomatic Transition and Future Relations

The US Embassy later announced that David Greene, a senior diplomat previously stationed in Nigeria, would succeed Brown as Chargé d’Affaires in March 2025.

According to Eyewitness, Greene, known for his experience in African affairs, is expected to manage the delicate US -South Africa relationship, particularly as the two nations navigate growing geopolitical challenges.

His appointment comes as the US seeks to navigate its delicate relations with South Africa.

With ongoing uncertainty in bilateral relations, Greene’s leadership will be closely watched.

His ability to address key diplomatic issues, including trade relations and South Africa’s stance on global conflicts, will likely shape the future of US engagement with the region.