The United States has expelled South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, labeling him persona non grata due to accusations of him being a “race-baiting politician” and his perceived hostility towards President Trump. This incident is part of the larger deterioration in U.S.-South African relations, fueled by Trump’s cuts to financial aid linked to South Africa’s land policy and actions against Israel.

On Friday, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., persona non grata. Rubio criticized Rasool as a “race-baiting politician” who harbors animosity towards America and President Donald Trump. Rubio emphasized that Rasool is no longer welcome in the United States, stating, “We have nothing to discuss with him and so he is considered PERSONA NON GRATA.”
Rasool presented his credentials to former President Joe Biden on January 13, marking the beginning of his term, which is noted to be his second in Washington according to information from the South African embassy.
Relations between the United States and South Africa have soured, particularly after former President Trump decided to cut financial aid to South Africa, objecting to its land policy and a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The responses from the U.S. State Department and South Africa’s embassy regarding Rasool’s expulsion remain unannounced.

The expulsion of South African ambassador Ebrahim Rasool by Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores the increasing tensions between the United States and South Africa, particularly following recent controversial policies. With Rasool now declared persona non grata, it remains unclear how this will affect diplomatic relations moving forward. The backdrop of Trump’s financial aid cuts accentuates the growing rift between the two nations.

Original Source: www.scmp.com