US Boots South African Ambassador Over Criticisms

The United States (US) has declared South African (SA) Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool “persona non grata”, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. 

 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Rasool was “no longer welcome” in the country on Friday, 14 March, accusing him of being a “race-baiting politician” who harbours animosity towards America and President Donald Trump.

This action follows Rasool’s remarks during a recent webinar, where he discussed demographic shifts in the US and characterised the “Make America Great Again” movement as a response to these changes, suggesting it stems from a “supremacist instinct”.

Rasool, previously an anti-apartheid activist and politician, was serving his second term as ambassador. He criticized the Trump administration’s policies, asserting they have emboldened white supremacist movements globally.

The expulsion occurs amid existing tensions between the Trump administration and SAs Black-led government over a new land expropriation law and other issues. President Trump has also criticised the SAn government for pursuing “anti-white” policies.

The SA government expressed regret over the expulsion, emphasising its commitment to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the US.

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