Expelled South African Ambassador Returns to Hero’s Welcome

Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the United States (US), returned to Cape Town, Western Cape on Sunday, 23 March, after being expelled by the Donald Trump presidential administration.

The expulsion followed Rasool’s remarks during a webinar, in which he criticised the “Make America Great Again” movement as a response to shifting US demographics. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, labeled Rasool a “race-baiting politician” and  ordering his departure from the country by Friday, 21 March.

Upon his return, Rasool was welcomed by hundreds of supporters at Cape Town International Airport where he addressed the crowd, stating he would wear the persona non grata designation as a “badge of dignity”.

He emphasised the importance of mending relations with the US, despite perceived anti-American policies, and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to pursuing its genocide case against Israel in defense of Palestinians.

This diplomatic tension adds to existing strains between the two nations, including a recent executive order by President Trump cutting all funding to South Africa, alleging support for Hamas and Iran, and accusing the Southern African country of pursuing anti-white policies.

South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, have expressed regret over the expulsion and emphasised the need for diplomatic decorum while seeking to resolve the issues affecting bilateral relations.

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