The diplomatic rift between the United States and South Africa has taken a significant turn, with the US State Department declaring South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool “persona non grata” and ordering him to leave the country by Friday.
This decision, made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was communicated to the South African embassy staff through a formal diplomatic note. The note explicitly stated that Ambassador Rasool was no longer welcome in the US, citing his alleged unacceptable behavior as a representative of his country.
Rubio’s announcement was made via social media, where he accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician” who harbors hatred towards President Donald Trump. This accusation was linked to a story by Breitbart News, which reported on a webinar speech given by Rasool in Johannesburg. In his speech, Rasool discussed the Trump administration’s actions in the context of a shifting demographic landscape in the US, where white people will soon no longer be in the majority.
It’s worth noting that the expulsion of a foreign ambassador is a rare and significant move, usually reserved for extreme circumstances. In this case, Rubio’s decision is part of a broader pattern of tension between the US and South Africa, with the Trump administration having recently halted funding to the country.
The South African government has responded to the expulsion by expressing regret and reaffirming its commitment to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the US. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has called on diplomatic officials to maintain diplomatic decorum in their engagement with the matter.
As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the diplomatic relationship between the US and South Africa has reached a critical juncture. The consequences of this expulsion will likely be far-reaching, with implications for bilateral relations, regional dynamics, and global politics.
