The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool, in an unprecedented diplomatic move.
US says Ebrahim Rasool ‘no longer welcome in Washington’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday, stating that Rasool is no longer welcome in Washington.
Rubio accused Rasool of being a “race-baiting politician who hates America and hates [President Donald Trump].” The secretary declared Rasool persona non grata, which effectively means he must leave the country.
Rubio’s statement did not outline specific reasons for the expulsion but linked to a Breitbart article referencing a recent webinar in which Rasool had criticised the Trump administration.
During the event, Rasool reportedly spoke about the decline of white electoral dominance in the US and referenced billionaire Elon Musk’s outreach to far-right groups in Europe, suggesting it was a global effort to rally what he described as an “embattled white community.”
The expulsion of an ambassador is a rare move, signalling heightened tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
Although the US has previously declared lower-ranking diplomats persona non grata, the removal of a sitting ambassador is a new and aggressive escalation in growing discord between both nations.
What the SA presidency said in response
The South African presidency responded to the expulsion, calling it a “regrettable” decision.
In a statement, the presidency urged all parties to maintain diplomatic decorum, insisting South Africa was committed to fostering a productive relationship with the United States.
“South Africa remains committed to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America,” the statement read.
The government acknowledged that the move would strain relations but stopped short of announcing any retaliatory measures.
The development comes amid increasing tensions between the two countries. Just weeks ago, the Trump administration froze US aid to South Africa, citing concerns over land expropriation policies. Additionally, Trump has extended an invitation to South African farmers to seek refuge in the US, citing claims that they are being targeted under government land redistribution plans.
Trump’s administration has taken a hard stance on South Africa’s policies, with key figures like Elon Musk also voicing criticism.
Musk has previously called the South African government’s economic policies “openly racist.”