Washington, D.C.: The United States has expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Embrahim Rasool, marking a significant deterioration in bilateral relations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Friday, calling Rasool a "race-baiting politician" who harbors hostility toward America and President Donald Trump.
The move follows increasing tensions between Washington and Pretoria, particularly after Trump cut U.S. financial aid to South Africa, citing concerns over its land policy and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Diplomatic Fallout
Rubio confirmed the expulsion in a statement on social media platform X:
"South Africa's Ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country. We have nothing to discuss with him, and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA."
The statement came shortly after Rasool reportedly accused Trump of leading a white "supremacist" movement, comments published by right-wing media outlet Breitbart.
In response, South Africa’s Presidency acknowledged the expulsion, calling it “regrettable” but reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with the United States. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, stated that the government would engage through diplomatic channels.
Strained U.S.-South Africa Relations
Since Trump took office in January, Rasool has struggled to secure meetings with State Department officials and key Republican figures, according to reports from news website Semafor. Sources indicate that his pro-Palestinian stance and criticism of Israel contributed to his diplomatic isolation in Washington.
Former U.S. ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard warned that relations between the two nations have reached their “lowest point”, adding, “There’s too much at stake to not work towards the repair of this partnership.”
Contentious Land Policy
Trump has repeatedly criticized South Africa’s land reform policies, asserting that the government is confiscating land and mistreating “certain classes of people.” South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump ally, has echoed these concerns, alleging that white South Africans are victims of “racist ownership laws.”
In January, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed legislation aimed at expanding land expropriation in the public interest, allowing the government to seize land in certain cases without compensation. Ramaphosa has defended the policy, stating that it is not a land confiscation program but rather an effort to address racial disparities in land ownership
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