Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., was expelled following a MEF report detailing his links to terrorism. Secretary of State Rubio’s declaration of Rasool as persona non grata comes amid rising concerns over extremist affiliations. The decision highlights ongoing vigilance regarding diplomatic integrity in U.S. foreign relations.
On March 14, 2025, Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, was declared persona non grata by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and expelled from Washington, D.C. This decision follows a report by the Middle East Forum (MEF), which raised concerns regarding Rasool’s connections to terrorism and extremist viewpoints.
In highlighting the expulsion, Secretary Rubio emphasized the need to maintain U.S. diplomatic integrity. For months prior, Rasool had been excluded from meetings with State Department officials and Republican leaders, a situation that reportedly frustrated officials in Pretoria, as noted by Semafor.
Sam Westrop, director of MEF Islamist Watch, previously detailed Rasool’s extremist links in a December 2024 article, citing his interactions with Hamas officials and support for Hezbollah. Additionally, Rasool has been linked to the SAAR network, which has been under investigation for international terrorism connections.
Rasool’s diplomatic credentials were accepted by President Joe Biden in the final days of his administration with little public attention. Before his Washington appointment, he asserted claims of genocide against Israel in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.
Upon learning about Rasool’s extremist ties, MEF alerted both administration officials and Congress members, leading to his blacklisting among policymakers. “Ambassador Rasool’s extremism…afford perfectly reasonable grounds for the Trump administration to send him home,” remarked Westrop.
Benjamin Baird, MEF Action director, stated, “The United States is not a playground for diplomats who cozy up to foreign adversaries…” in support of Rasool’s removal. MEF remains committed to advocating for American interests in the Middle East and safeguarding Western civilization from the threats of Islamism.
The expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool from Washington underscores the vigilance of U.S. authorities in addressing potential security threats posed by diplomats with extremist connections. The actions taken by Secretary of State Rubio reflect a commitment to safeguarding American interests and values in international relations. This incident serves as a reminder of the broader responsibilities of diplomats to maintain integrity and alignment with U.S. national security priorities.
Original Source: www.meforum.org
