Dana Brown Steps Down as U.S. Mission Chief in South Africa

Dana Brown, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to South Africa, will retire from the Foreign Service in March after 27 years. The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria confirmed her departure, stating she is returning to the United States for family reasons.

Deputy Chief of Mission in Abuja, Nigeria, David Greene, will replace Brown as Chargé d’Affaires. “The U.S. Department of State has selected Mr. David Greene, the current Deputy Chief of Mission in Abuja, Nigeria, to serve as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to South Africa, ensuring continuity in leadership and the advancement of U.S. priorities,” said embassy spokesperson Rubani Trimiew.

Brown’s retirement follows rising tensions between Washington and Pretoria. On February 7, President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending U.S. donor aid to South Africa, accusing its government of supporting terrorism and fostering racial violence. The order also announced a plan to offer refugee status to Afrikaners facing racial discrimination.

A White House statement said, “The United States will establish a plan to resettle disfavoured minorities in South Africa discriminated against because of their race as refugees.” The U.S. embassy later clarified that the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security were coordinating humanitarian relief efforts.

Brown took over as acting head of the mission in January after Ambassador Reuben Brigety’s resignation. While the embassy attributes her departure to personal reasons, some reports suggest diplomatic tensions may have played a role. Sources also indicate that Brown’s mother has been unwell.

Brown previously held diplomatic posts in Portugal, Colombia, Kosovo, and Cuba. The embassy praised her service, stating, “The U.S. mission to South Africa has thrived under her leadership.”