South Africa’s ambassador has been expelled from the United States for being a “race-baiting politician who hates America”.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio announced that Ebrahim Rasool is no longer welcome in the US due to his hatred for America and the President.
“We have nothing to discuss with him, so he is considered persona non grata,” Mr. Rubio stated.
US-South African relations have been strained since Donald Trump took office in January. The US has cut financial aid to South Africa and criticized the country’s land policy and its case against Israel at the International Criminal Court.
Donald Trump alleged, without evidence, that “South Africa is confiscating land” and that “certain classes of people” are being treated poorly there. Elon Musk, Trump’s ally and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has also stated that white South Africans are victims of “racist ownership laws”.
The new legislation in South Africa allows for the government to expropriate land more easily for the public interest.
The expulsion follows Mr. Rasool addressing a webinar in which he claimed that Trump is leading a “white supremacist” movement in America.
Mr. Rubio posted a news report on the webinar alongside his announcement.
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US-South Africa relations are at their lowest point
Ebrahim Rasool assumed his second post as US ambassador in January, having previously served in Washington between 2010 and 2015.
South Africa’s office for President Cyril Ramaphosa described the US decision as “regrettable”, stating a commitment to a “mutually beneficial relationship with the US”.
Ebrahim Rasool has been excluded from meetings with key US officials, as per a claim by news website Semafor.
South African diplomat cited Rasool’s pro-Palestinian views and criticism of Israel as the reason.
Former US Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard believes the ties between the two nations have reached their lowest point.
“There’s too much at stake to not work towards the repair of this partnership,” he stated.
