JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa's ruling party is demanding the U.S. apologize after former government minister Tokyo Sexwale was detained last week at an American airport.

The African National Congress alleged Monday that Sexwale's name is on a U.S. terrorist watch list because of his role in the party that fought apartheid.

The ANC was removed from the State Department's list of terror organizations years ago, but many members remained on watch lists.

Former President Nelson Mandela was taken off U.S. immigration watch lists in 2008. Sexwale was imprisoned on Robben Island along with Mandela.

The South Africa Press Association reported Sexwale's lawyer, Leslie Makhabela, said the U.S. "alleged he posed a threat to international security."

Details on the case were scarce. U.S. officials wouldn't comment on whether or why Sexwale was held.
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(Photo: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)