Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, is “no longer welcome” due to his negative remarks regarding President Trump. This announcement follows Trump’s executive order targeting South Africa’s government over land expropriation laws, complicating diplomatic relations amid historical tensions.
In a recent announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is deemed “no longer welcome” in the country. This statement, made via social media, labelled Rasool a “race-baiting politician” who has expressed disdain for President Donald Trump. The decision follows Rasool’s comments regarding Trump’s connections with far-right groups during a webinar, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
The designation of persona non grata is a rare action against a foreign ambassador, as it is more commonly imposed on lower-ranking diplomats. Historical precedence exists, as neither the U.S. nor Russia expelled ambassadors during significant diplomatic crises, including events relating to the Cold War and post-Crimea annexation periods. The State Department has yet to provide additional information on the current ban, leaving some uncertainty regarding Rasool’s presence in the U.S. at the time of the announcement.
Rasool, who served as South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S. from 2010 to 2015, has a history of significant political engagement, notably in the anti-apartheid movement. His ousting aligns with previous initiatives by the Trump administration, including an executive order aimed at reducing aid to South Africa’s largely Black-led government, which Trump accused of targeting Afrikaners—descendants of early colonial settlers.
The South African government has actively rejected Trump’s claims that the appropriations of land are racially motivated. The Expropriation Act, recently signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, allows the government to seize land in certain cases and seeks to rectify injustices from the apartheid era. Although Trump’s administration has expressed concerns about the law threatening South Africa’s white minority, the law is purportedly aimed at correcting historical wrongs perpetuated against Black citizens during apartheid.
The decision by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to declare Ebrahim Rasool persona non grata reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Africa. This rare action against an ambassador arises from Rasool’s criticisms of President Trump and broader issues surrounding land expropriation laws in South Africa. The situation underscores complex historical and political dynamics that continue to influence U.S.-Africa relations.
Original Source: winnipegsun.com
