US Expels South Africa’s Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool as Diplomatic Rift Deepens
The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Friday, accusing Rasool of being hostile toward both the country and former President Donald Trump.
“South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” Rubio wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
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Rubio Calls Rasool ‘Persona Non Grata’
Rubio’s post was direct and scathing, describing Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” who harbors anti-American sentiments.
“Ebrahim Rasool is a race-baiting politician who hates America and hates POTUS. We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA,” Rubio wrote.
The term “persona non grata” is a diplomatic designation that effectively bars a foreign official from remaining in the host country.
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South Africa Responds to Rasool’s Expulsion
The South African government has acknowledged the expulsion, calling it “regrettable” but urging restraint.
In a statement, the presidency said it had “noted the regrettable expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador” and called for the “established diplomatic decorum” to be maintained.
Trump Administration’s Growing Friction with South Africa
Rasool’s removal is the latest in a string of moves by the Trump administration that have strained relations with South Africa.
Last month, Trump signed an executive order freezing US aid to South Africa, citing “unjust racial discrimination” against white Afrikaners. The order also referenced South Africa’s Expropriation Act, which allows the government to seize private land without compensation.
“As long as South Africa continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent disfavored minority farmers, the United States will stop aid and assistance to the country,” a White House statement read.