Ebrahim Rasool, the expelled South African ambassador, received a hero’s welcome in Cape Town, declaring his status as a badge of dignity. He emphasized the need to restore relations with the U.S. while also standing by controversial remarks made prior to his expulsion, focusing on support for Palestine and a push for South Africa’s national interests amidst U.S. sanctions.
The South African ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, who was expelled from the United States by the Trump administration, received a warm welcome upon his return to Cape Town. At the airport, hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate, requiring police assistance for him and his wife to exit the terminal safely. Rasool remarked, “A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you. But when you return to crowds like this… then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.”
Rasool emphasized the necessity of mending South Africa’s relationship with the U.S. after the expulsion, attributed to President Trump’s discontent over perceived anti-American sentiments from South Africa. The U.S. President imposed sanctions, stopping funding to the country, alleging support for entities like Hamas as part of the rationale. He reiterated, “We don’t come here to say we are anti-American… we are not here to call on you to throw away our interests with the United States.”
In the weeks leading to his expulsion, the ambassador made controversial comments during a webinar, which were deemed inflammatory by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasool stood by his statements that analyzed demographic shifts in America, asserting, “It is not the U.S. of Obama… it is a different U.S. and therefore our language must change.” His remarks were positioned as a call for South African political figures to adapt to new realities in U.S. politics.
He also maintained South Africa’s commitment to pursing a case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, despite U.S. pressures. The ambassador’s supporters at the airport expressed solidarity by waving Palestinian flags, as Rasool stated, “We cannot sacrifice the Palestinians… but we will also not give up with our relationship with the United States. We must fight for it, but we must keep our dignity.”
The episode underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics between South Africa and the U.S., particularly amidst tensions characterized by perceived ideological divides.
Ebrahim Rasool’s return to South Africa was marked by significant public support, as he embraced his expulsion from the U.S. as a point of dignity rather than humiliation. His commitment to restoring U.S.-South Africa relations amidst ongoing controversies surrounding U.S. foreign policy and support for Palestine reflects the intricate and often contentious interactions between nations. Rasool’s stance embraces both national dignity and a desire for constructive diplomatic engagement. The diplomat’s comments represent a broader commentary on the evolving political landscape in the United States and challenge the perception of South Africa’s stance as strictly anti-American, advocating instead for a balanced approach to international relations.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
